SEAWEED CHARACTERISTICS

Multicellular Eukaryotic Cells

Some 75% or more of the oxygen in the planet’s atmosphere is actually produced by photosynthetic algae and cyanobacteria.

CLASSIFICATION

Generally consider members of the Protista kingdom

Some scientists want to reclassify them as plants especially green algae

Genetic studies and biochemical similarity indicate a need for reclassification of green algae.

GENERAL STRUCTURE

Thallus- body of seaweed

Blade- leaf-like flattened portions

Holdfast- root-like structure that anchors thallus to substrate

TYPES OF SEAWEED

Three types of Multicellular Seaweed

1. Green (Chlorophyta) 2. Brown 3. Red Algae

GREEN ALGAE

Sea Lettuce(ulva)& Dead Man’s Finger (codium)

BROWN ALGAE

Rockweeds (Fucus) - found Temperate Shores

KELP FOREST - KELP FORESTS

Macrocystis- largest of the kelps- up to 100 m (330 ft) have been found

Kelp forests- very biological productive

RED ALGAE

Irish Moss (Chrondrus) - North Atlantic Red Alga

ECONOMIC IMPORTANCE

Seaweeds are edible- especially red and brown

ECONOMIC IMPORTANCE CONT

Agar- From Red Algae. Used in canned meats. Also, by Biologists to grow microorganisms.