eDNA
Environmental DNA
LC definition
Liquid chromatography
Algal classification (3)
-As we know is currently and previousally based on morphological features rather than phylogenetics
-Recent research to develop a more phylogenetic approach to classification based on ultrastructure and biochemistry
-fun fact; Most algae does NOT have a common name
History of algal classification (3)
-William Harvey (1800s) classified based on pigment: brown, red, green and gold (diatoms)
-pigmentation remains an important part of classification to this day
-systems proposed after this have caused a lot of confusion due to fundamental differences in classification
Modern day algal classification (4)
-taxonomy is still not complete
-ultimate goal is a system that reflects natural phylogeny
-Based on evo relationships of extant (stil living) organisms and new tech
-Current info divides algae into 4 groups
4 Algal groups
- Prokaryotes: Division Cyanophyta
- Eukaryotes with 2 chloroplast membranes and 2 ER membranes: divisions Cryptophyta, chromophyta, and prymesiophyta
- Eukaryotes With 2 chloroplast membranes and 1 ER membrane: divisions Euglenophyta and dinophyta
- Eukaryotes with 2 chloroplast membranes and 0 ER membranes: Divisions Glaucophyta, Rhodophyta, chlorophyta
Ultrastructue of Algal nucleus (3)
Prokaryotes: Single circular DNA molecule
Eukaryotes: Variable chromosome number (some haploid, some diploid, some polyploid)
Mesokaryotes: very large chromosomes, no interphase (constant DNA replication), no microtubules or histones
Ultrastructue of algal chloroplasts (2)
Prokaryotes: free thylakoids in cytoplasm
glaucophyta: have endosymbiotic Cyanobacteria called cyanelles rather than chloroplasts
Basic chloroplast structure (3)
-2-4 membranes
-enclose stacks of thylakoids called grana
-filled with a fluid-like substance called stroma
Types of chloroplast
-Discoid (disc shape)
-Cup/teardrop
-Collared (forms “c” shape around cell edge)
-Stellate (star)
-Reticulate (cylinder)
Gas Vacuoles (2)
-Found only in Cyanophyta
-regulate buoyancy
Vacuoles (2)
-found in all eukaryotic algae does
-storage of waste and nutrients
Photolithotrophy (2)
-“light and rock eater”
-type of autotroph that feed on both solar energy and CO2
Algal pigmentation (5)
-Photosynthetic algae use chlorophyll to produce ATP and NADPH
-Heterotrophic algae do not have chlorophyll
-Pigment in chlorophyll absorbs light in the 400nm-700nm range
- 2 Photosystems: PSI (does not produce Oxygen) PSII (does produce oxygen)
-Accessory pigments aid in energy intake (especially in PSII)
Chromatic adaptation
-How algae are able to modify pigment content in response to their environment
What chlorophyll is found in all algae groups
Chlorophyll a
Carotenoids (5)
-Browns, yellows, orange and reds (warm pigment)
-increase the range of light that can be absorbed
-provide photo protection
-Beta-carotene is found in most divisions of algae
-Fucoxanthin is found in chromo, hapto and dinophyta
Phycobilins (5)
-Reds or Blue-green
-increase Range of light that can be absorbed
-Phytocoerythren = red
-phytocoecyan = blue -green
Only found in cyano, crypto, and rhodophyta
