Difference between brown algae,red algae and green algae

By: Prof. Dr. Fazal Rehman | Last updated: February 3, 2024

Let me share with you a difference between brown algae,red algae and green algae.

Aspect Brown Algae Red Algae Green Algae
Appearance Brown Red Green
Type of pigment Fucoxanthin Phycoerythrin Chlorophylls a and b
Cellular organizations Mostly multicellular and some are unicellular Mostly multicellular Both unicellular and multicellular forms
Composition of cell wall Cellulose with additional alginates and other polysaccharides Cellulose with additional polysaccharides Cellulose with additional polysaccharides
Storage product Laminarin Floridean starch Starch and other carbohydrates
Type of reproduction Alternation of generations, with a dominant sporophyte phase Alternation of generations, with a dominant gametophyte phase Varied – includes sexual and asexual reproduction, depending on the species
Habitat Marine  Marine Diverse habitats – marine, freshwater and terrestrial environments
Economic importance Source of alginates used in food, pharmaceuticals and industry Used in food (e.g., nori), cosmetics and as thickeners Various uses, including as food (e.g., spirulina), biofuels and as research models
Cellulose arrangement Typically arranged in a haphazard pattern Cellulose fibers are typically arranged in a well-defined pattern Variable arrangements depending on the species
Examples ·        Laminaria

·        Fucus

·        Sargassum

·        Porphyra

·        Gelidium

·        Corallina

·        Chlamydomonas

·        Spirogyra

·        Ulva

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