Red algae
(Redirected from Rhodophytes)
Red algae, or Rhodophyta (rodo meaning red, and phyta meaning plant), 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[edit | edit source]
The classification of red algae is based primarily on the morphology of the cystocarp, the structure of the pit connections, and the arrangement of the thallus.
Characteristics[edit | edit source]
Red algae are defined by having chlorophyll a and chlorophyll d, which are the pigments that give them their red color. They also contain phycobiliproteins, which are protein-pigment complexes that are involved in photosynthesis.
Distribution and habitat[edit | edit source]
Red algae are found worldwide, from polar to tropical waters. They are commonly found in the intertidal zone and below the low tide mark.
Uses[edit | edit source]
Red algae have been used for various purposes throughout history. They are a source of food, especially in Asia, where they are used in the preparation of sushi. They are also used in the production of agar and carrageenan, which are used in the food industry as thickeners and stabilizers.
See also[edit | edit source]
References[edit | edit source]
Red algae Resources | |
---|---|
|
Search WikiMD
Ad.Tired of being Overweight? Try W8MD's physician weight loss program.
Semaglutide (Ozempic / Wegovy and Tirzepatide (Mounjaro / Zepbound) available.
Advertise on WikiMD
WikiMD's Wellness Encyclopedia |
Let Food Be Thy Medicine Medicine Thy Food - Hippocrates |
Translate this page: - East Asian
中文,
日本,
한국어,
South Asian
हिन्दी,
தமிழ்,
తెలుగు,
Urdu,
ಕನ್ನಡ,
Southeast Asian
Indonesian,
Vietnamese,
Thai,
မြန်မာဘာသာ,
বাংলা
European
español,
Deutsch,
français,
Greek,
português do Brasil,
polski,
română,
русский,
Nederlands,
norsk,
svenska,
suomi,
Italian
Middle Eastern & African
عربى,
Turkish,
Persian,
Hebrew,
Afrikaans,
isiZulu,
Kiswahili,
Other
Bulgarian,
Hungarian,
Czech,
Swedish,
മലയാളം,
मराठी,
ਪੰਜਾਬੀ,
ગુજરાતી,
Portuguese,
Ukrainian
Medical Disclaimer: WikiMD is not a substitute for professional medical advice. The information on WikiMD is provided as an information resource only, may be incorrect, outdated or misleading, and is not to be used or relied on for any diagnostic or treatment purposes. Please consult your health care provider before making any healthcare decisions or for guidance about a specific medical condition. WikiMD expressly disclaims responsibility, and shall have no liability, for any damages, loss, injury, or liability whatsoever suffered as a result of your reliance on the information contained in this site. By visiting this site you agree to the foregoing terms and conditions, which may from time to time be changed or supplemented by WikiMD. If you do not agree to the foregoing terms and conditions, you should not enter or use this site. See full disclaimer.
Credits:Most images are courtesy of Wikimedia commons, and templates Wikipedia, licensed under CC BY SA or similar.
Contributors: Prab R. Tumpati, MD