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Can algae play a role in the evolution of sexes?

Can algae play a role in the evolution of sexes?

A team of scientists identified the master regulatory gene for sex determination in Volvox. A discovery in the multicellular green alga, Volvox carteri, has revealed the genetic origin of male and female sexes, showing how they evolved from a more primitive mating system in a single-celled relative.

Where did algae evolve from?

Ultrastructural and molecular data suggest that they are in a protistan lineage that diverged from the protozoa and aquatic fungi about 300 to 400 million years ago.

What is Polysulphate Ester?

Polysulphate ester in Red algae are the characteristic pigment that are found in the cell wall. No, they are not the same as hydrocolloids . Hydro colloids are the suspension of particles in the water that binds to the water molecules and to one another and they retard the flow of liquid or solidify them.

How do algae make babies?

Many small algae reproduce asexually by ordinary cell division or by fragmentation, whereas larger algae reproduce by spores. Some green algae produce nonmotile spores called aplanospores, while others produce zoospores, which lack true cell walls and bear one or more flagella.

Why is Red algae red in Colour?

NEET Question. The red “algae” Red algae are red because of the presence of the pigment phycoerythrin; this pigment reflects red light and absorbs blue light.

Does cell wall of Red algae contain Polysulphate esters?

-Polysulphate ester is present in cell wall of the red algae . Explanation: The cell wall of red algae is complex and made up of cellulose & pectin.

Are algae asexual?

Algae regenerate by sexual reproduction, involving male and female gametes (sex cells), by asexual reproduction, or by both ways. Many small algae reproduce asexually by ordinary cell division or by fragmentation, whereas larger algae reproduce by spores.

What kind of algae has both male and female?

Having three sexes, including hermaphrodites, is called ‘ trioecy ‘. But the volvocine green algae P. starrii is different from this again. The bisexual form of this haploid algae has both male and female reproductive cells. The team describe it as a “new haploid mating system” completely unique to algae.

How are female gamete cells produced in algae?

The female gametophyte is the structure that produces female gamete cells in algae and plants. The female gametophyte arises from the megaspore via the formation of the megasporangium. Moreover, the female gametophyte undergoes meiosis to produce four haploid cells.

How are algae able to reproduce asexually or sexually?

Because algae are such a big, diverse group, there’s lots of variation in the way that they get it on, but generally algae are able to reproduce asexually (by cloning themselves) or sexually (with a partner), depending on the life cycle stage they’re in. This can be either haploid (with a single set of chromosomes), or diploid (with two sets).

How is a female gamete different from a male gamete?

In angiosperms, the female gamete produced by the female gametophyte undergoes triple fusion. The egg cell fuses with the male gamete to form the zygote. Moreover, the germ cell nucleus fuses with the two polar nuclei to form the triploid nucleus that develops into the endosperm.