Algae

Algae are photosynthetic autotrophs, they use light to convert atmospheric carbon dioxide into carbohydrates for energy. The body of the multi-cellular alga is a thallus, which may collectively function as holdfasts to anchor them. They often have stemlike stipes and leaflike blades. Algae also have gas filled bladders. There are different types of algae. Brown algae may be 50 meters in length. Red algae are branched and multicellular and live at greater depths than do other algae. Dinoflagellates are unicellular algae and are referred to as plankton because they are free floating. Some produce neurotoxins that are ingested by shellfish and can eventually poison humans. Algin is a food thickener and used in the production of goods and is extracted from the cell walls of algae. A large increase in plankton is known as a bloom. Blooms of dinoflagellates are known as red tides. G-Biosciences, Himedia Laboratories, and Agilent Technologies supply products used in algae research.