Introduction to Chrysophytes | Additional Study Material for NEET PDF Download

Introduction

• Chrysophytes are plant-like protists that can be found in marine and freshwater environments which are often low in calcium.

Chrysophytes

• There are three main types of chrysophytes: Diatoms (Bacillariophyta), Golden-brown algae (Chrysophyceae), and Yellow-green algae (Xanthophyceae).
• Although many are unicellular and free swimming, some chrysophytes, like the dinobryon above, join together and form colonies.
• There are over 1000 described species of Chrysophytes, and, because there are so many species, there is no common cell structure shared by them. 
• Some species have cell walls made of cellulose strengthened by silica compounds, while others are amoeboid without any cell walls.

➢ Methods of Feeding, Movement, and Reproduction

• Since chrysophytes are plant-like and have chloroplasts, they are mainly autotrophic. 
• If there is inadequate lighting, they can become heterotrophic, especially in areas with high dissolved foods concentrations. 
• Chrysophytes are mainly non-motile, but they do have two flagella for movement in harsh conditions.
• Most chrysophytes reproduce asexually through meiosis, but diatoms reproduce sexually, dividing and exchanging parts under certain conditions.

➢ Chrysophyta Relatives, Affect on Humans, and Role in Food Chain

• Chrysophyta is algae, so their closest relatives are the six other divisions of algae: Euglenophyta, Pyrrophyta, Chlorophyta, Rhodophyta, Phaeophyta, and Xanthophyta. 
• Being the main components of plankton and nanoplankton, diatoms and Chrysophyceae are the foundation of the marine food chain, functioning as the producers. 

Diatoms

• Chrysophyta can be considered helpful to humans. We use them in toothpaste, scouring products, and filters. 
• As autotrophs, they provide a substantial amount of oxygen in the atmosphere, as well.
• Also, because chrysophytes store their food as oils, they can be used for biofuel. 
• Diatoms are especially effective in biobutanol production because of their small size.