Brown alga
From Free net encyclopedia
{{Taxobox
| color = khaki
| name = Brown algae
| image = pacific rockweed, Olympic National Park, USA.jpg
| image_width = 250px
| image_caption = Pacific Rockweed (Fucus distichus) in Olympic National Park
| regnum = Protista
| divisio = Heterokontophyta
| classis = Phaeophyceae
| subdivision_ranks = Orders
| subdivision =
Ascoseirales
Chordariales
Cutleriales
Desmarestiales
Dictyosiphonales
Dictyotales
Ectocarpales
Fucales
Laminariales (kelps)
Scytosiphonales
Scytothamnales
Sphacelariales
Sporochnales
Syringodermatales
Tilopteridales
}}
The brown algae or phaeophytes are a large group of multicellular algae, including many notable seaweeds. They play an important role in marine environments. For instance Macrocystis kelp, which may reach 60 metres in length, form prominent underwater forests. Another notable example is Sargassum, which creates unique habitats in the Sargasso Sea (hence the name Sargassum). Many brown algae, such as bladder wrack, are found along the seashore and some are used as food.
Brown algae belong to a large group called the heterokonts, most of which are colored flagellates. Most contain the pigment fucoxanthin, which is responsible for the distinctive greenish-brown color that gives brown algae their name. Brown algae are unique among heterokonts in developing into multicellular forms with differentiated tissues, but they reproduce by means of flagellate spores, which closely resemble other heterokont cells. Genetic studies show their closest relatives are the yellow-green algae.
See also
Template:Commonscatda:Brunalge de:Braunalgen es:Phaeophyta eo:Brunalgoj fr:Phaeophyceae it:Phaeophyta he:חומיות mk:Кафеави алги pl:Brunatnice pt:Phaeophyta sv:Brunalger