Algae reproduction

The great diversity offered by the Kingdom of Algaewhich is the Protist kingdomcreate a broad spectrum when differentiating the possible types of reproduction between the different organisms that compose it. Here you can read about what the Protist Kingdom is, its characteristics and examples.

We can divide the types of algae playback In three:

• Vegetative
• Asexual
• Sexual

It is important to know that the different types of algae reproduction do not have to be exclusive. With this we mean that depending on the species and the conditions offered by the medium, it is possible that the same individual reproduces both sexually and asexually if the conditions around them are adequate for it.

That which is done through the detachment of one of the algae parts. Depending on the species, it will be able to reproduce after the detachment or loss of both talus and stolons. In order for a new organism of characteristics similar to those of the original algae, the part that has emerged must be able to fix a substrate to begin to grow by itself.

As with vegetative multiplication, asexual reproduction implies the creation of a New individual identical to the original. This asexual reproduction in algae implies a mitotic division that can vary according to the species. In the case of unicellular algae they usually divide in two and be able to produce spores so that you are germinating and produce a new copy. On the other hand, in the case of multicellular algae, we talk about a Fragmentation process whereby new algae appear, also identical to the main algae.

To learn more we advise you to read this other post about what is asexual reproduction, types and examples.

It differs from vegetative and asexual reproduction being a process by which a different new individual originates. These are the different phases of sexual reproduction of algae:

• Plasmogamy o fusion of reproductive cells or gametes.
• Cariogamia o Fusion of gametes to result in a zigoto
• Meiosis o Chromosomatic recombination process that results in new gametes for the next reproduction.

In addition, depending on the type of gametes present by the individual, different types of plasmogamy can occur:

• Isogamia When gametes are identical and mobile
• Anisogamia When gametes even being mobile do not have the same morphology
• Oogamy When the size of female gametes is greater than that of male gametes and the latter, in turn, they are in a greater number

Algae in turn have a great diversity of vital cycles whose differences happen during meiosis, depending on the type of cells that produce either during the cycle there are one or more states of free life. Thus, we can divide and name them as follows:

• Haplofásic monogenetic cycle: When meiosis occurs during zigoto germination.
• Diplofásic monogenetic cycle: When meiosis results in two haploid gametes.
• Haplodiffsic digenic cycle: It consists of two phases. During the first gametophyte produces gametes during mitosis and the second phase that begins when sporophyte produces spores during meiosis.

Now that you have read all this about reproduction in algae, you can read more about the reproduction function of living beings in this other article.

Next, we want to show you some of the general characteristics of algae so that you understand and establish the clearest differences of those organisms belonging to the kingdom of algae:

• Although many can confuse algae with a type of plant, it is important to know that algae belong to their own kingdom within the classification: The protist kingdom. You can clarify more about this doubt in this link: Are algae plants?
• Within the protist kingdom the vast majority of algae are part of the microscopic group. Similarly, although to a lesser extent, we can also find species belonging to the group of macroscopics.
• Algae are divided, as to their cellular organization, in: Eukaryotes and prokaryotes. However, in its large majority they are eukaryotes being only those known as green algae those within the Prokaryotes group.
• Except green algae and red algae, the vast majority of algae have locomotion structures called flagella. These are normally arranged in even numbers.
• Algae, in addition to having Chlorophyllhave others photosynthetic pigments that allow them to achieve a spectrum of absorption of greater light. Thanks to them they are able to perform photosynthesis under water and even at great depth. Know more about photosynthetic pigments: what are, types and examples.
• It is quite common for algae to organize forming underwater grasslands. In addition, they can also develop and grow on other very humid surfaces, rocks and trunks.

Here you can learn more about these organisms: classification of algae.

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