Algal Classification as proposed by Robert Edward Lee (2008) upto phylum.
There are four distinct groups within the algae. The remainder of the text is divided into four parts based on these four groups.
(1) Prokaryotes. The cyanobacteria are the only prokaryotic algae.
(2) Eukaryotic algae with chloroplasts surrounded by the two membranes of the chloroplast envelope.
(3) Eukaryotic algae with the chloroplast surrounded by one membrane of chloroplast endoplasmic reticulum.
(4) Eukaryotic algae with the chloroplast surrounded by two membranes of chloroplast endoplasmic reticulum.
The standard botanical classification system is used in the systematics of the algae:
Phylum - phyta
Class - phyceae
Order - ales
Family - aceae
Genus
Species
Group 1 Prokaryotic algae.
Cyanophyta (cyanobacteria): chlorophyll a; phycobiliproteins.
Group 2 Eukaryotic algae with chloroplasts surrounded only by the two membranes of the chloroplast envelope.
Glaucophyta: algae that represent an intermediate position in the evolution of chloroplasts; photosynthesis is carried out by modified endosymbiotic cyanobacteria.
Rhodophyta (red algae): chlorophyll a; phycobiliproteins; no flagellated cells; storage product is floridean starch.
Chlorophyta (green algae) : chlorophylls a and b; storage product, starch, is found inside the chloroplast.
Group 3 Eukaryotic algae with chloroplasts surrounded by one membrane of chloroplast endoplasmic reticulum.
Euglenophyta (euglenoids): chlorophylls a and b; one flagellum with a spiraled row of fibrillar hairs; proteinaceous pellicle in strips under the plasma membrane; storage product is paramylon; characteristic type of cell division.
Dinophyta (dinoflagellates): mesokaryotic nucleus; chlorophylls a and c; cell commonly divided into an epicone and a hypocone by a girdle; helical transverse flagellum; thecal plates in vesicles under the plasma membrane.
Apicomplexa : heterotrophic flagellates with colorless plastids.
Group 4 Eukaryotic algae with chloroplasts surrounded by two membranes of chloroplast endoplasmic reticulum.
Cryptophyta (cryptophytes) : nucleomorph present between inner and outer membrane of chloroplast endoplasmic reticulum; starch formed as grains between inner membrane of chloroplast endoplasmic reticulum and chloroplast envelope; chlorophyll a and c; phycobiliproteins; periplast inside plasma membrane.
Heterokontophyta (heterokonts) : anterior tinsel and posterior whiplash flagellum; chlorophyll a and c; fucoxanthin; storage product usually chrysolaminarin occurring in vesicles.
Chrysophyceae (golden-brown algae).
Synurophyceae.
Eustigmatophyceae.
Pinguiophyceae.
Dictyochophyceae (silicoflagellates).
Pelagophyceae.
Bolidophyceae.
Bacillariophyceae (diatoms).
Raphidophyceae (chloromonads).
Xanthophyceae (yellow-green algae).
