Chapter 21.1, Problem 6MI

Summary Introduction

To Identify: 

The characteristics of the present-day members of the algae and plant groups.

Introduction:

Algae are eukaryotic organisms whose body is thallus (not divided into roots, stems and leaves) but do have chlorophyll and other pigments for carrying out photosynthesis. Algae can be multicellular or unicellular. They reproduces by both asexual and sexual means.

Explanation of Solution

The six characteristics of the present-day members of the algae and plant groups are given below:

1. Like land plants, cells of algae have cell walls composed of a polysaccharide cellulose.
2. Algae also contains chlorophyll and other pigments to make food through photosynthesis.
3. During cell division, cytokinesis occurs in the same way as in land plants. Cytokinesis occurs by cell plate formation.
4. In both, similar genes are present for ribosomal DNA.
5. In their vesicles same types of enzymes are present.
6. Both store synthesised food in form of starch.

Conclusion

Both algae and land plants are multicellular, autotrophic organisms and stores starch as reserve food. They follows similar cytokinesis during cell division.