Rhodophyta

Rhodophyta or red algae are one of the oldest groups of eukaryotic algae. The Rhodophyta also comprises one of the largest phyla of algae, containing over 7,000 currently recognized species with taxonomic revisions ongoing.

Classification

The classification of the Rhodophyta is controversial. It has been proposed to place them in the Archaeplastida, along with the Viridiplantae and the Glaucophyta.

Characteristics

Rhodophyta are usually red, due to the presence of the pigment Phycoerythrin, which reflects red light and absorbs blue light. Because blue light penetrates water to a greater depth than light of longer wavelengths, these pigments allow red algae to photosynthesize and live at somewhat greater depths than most other "algae".

Reproduction

Most species of Rhodophyta are multicellular with differentiated cells and tissues, but some are unicellular. Their life cycle is usually an alternation of generations that may have three phases, involving one or two meioses.

Ecology

Rhodophyta are important builders of limestone reefs. The Coralline algae, a subgroup of the Rhodophyta, secrete calcium carbonate onto the surface of their cells.

Uses

Some species of Rhodophyta are used in food, such as the Nori, which is important in Japanese cuisine.

See also

• Algae
• Seaweed

Rhodophyta Resources
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