Algae is a heterogeneous group of organisms containing members having chlorophyll ‘a’ as their primary photosynthetic pigments. These green chlorophyll molecules along with some accessory pigments are contained generally in a membrane-bound packet-like structure called chloroplast within the algal body. In some members, the chloroplast is absent though; such as …

Development of algal vegetative and reproductive part in multicellular algae by cell division resulting in complex and large structure is known as algal growth. But in case of unicellular algae simple increase in size in the body results in growth of the cell. E.g. Chlamydomonas (unicellular algae). Basically there are …

The transformation of green, photosynthetic algae from their original simple aquatic life to advanced terrestrial plants was a key event in the history of planet Earth, ranking in significance with the origin of photosynthesis. It is quite obvious from phylogenetic, molecular and morphological studies that higher plants are derived from …

Phycology or algology is the study of algae. The word ‘Phycology’ is derived from the Greek word ‘Phykos’ meaning seaweed. The algae are thallophytes (plants lacking roots, stems and leaves) that have chlorophyll as their primary photosynthetic pigment and lack a sterile covering of cells around their reproductive cells or …

First model – proposed by Jude (1940) and Lindemann (1942). Later on more sophisticated models proposed, by Odum (1957), Teal (1957) and Mann (1969). Model proposed by Mann (1969) is shown in Fig.  Two principles apply in it: According to laws of thermodynamics, energy can be up taken only once, …

Biomass Biomass is the weight of living matter per unit area at a given time at a given place. Future of Biomass In aquatic ecosystem, produced biomass may either enter into food chain or undergoes destruction. In lentic waters, nutrients present in biomass get recycled, except sedimentation of small fraction. …

Present-day Armenian-born botanist & systematist Armen Leonovich Takhtajan (1910-2009) was one of the most influential figures of 20th century in the field of plant evolution, systematics, and biogeography. His other interests included morphology of flowering plants, paleobotany, and the flora of the Caucasus (region between the Black sea & the Caspian sea). Good to know …

Systematic position Division: Bryophyta Class: Anthoceropsida Order: Anthocerotales Family: Anthocerotaceae Genus: Anthoceros Habit and Habitat The name ‘Anthoceros’ means ‘flower horn’ and refers to the characteristics horn-shaped saprophyte. Anthocerosis a genus of hornworts in the family Anthocerotaceae. With about 250 species, it is widely distributed in the tropical and temperate regions …

Transcription is the synthesis of RNA molecule using one of the DNA strands as a template. It is the first step in the transfer of genetic information from genotype to phenotype. However, this process of transcription is a highly selective one i.e definite genes are transcribed only when their products …

Selaginella sp. is the sole genus of the vascular plant under the family Selaginellaceae and order Selaginellales. The member of this order has herbaceous stems that are usually without any indication of secondary thickening. Commonly known as spike mosses. Classification Division: Lycophyta Class: Ligulopsida Order: Selaginellales Family: Selaginellaceae Genus: Selaginella …