Thank-you for taking the time to read this.
I have a picture of a form of multi-cellular algae. My first guess was brown algae, but I'm second guessing myself. It looks like a leafy-plant, and it has roots (looks like the roots of a plant). The question is:
Is this brown algae? If not, what type of algae is it?
What is the function of the roots on the algae?
Are these even roots? (Could be calling them by the wrong name)
-Thanks a bunch!
2007-02-06 14:46:45 · 2 answers · asked by Nerds Rule! 6 in Science & Mathematics ➔ Biology
The rootlike outgrowths at the base of an alga is called 'holdfast'. Its function is anchoring the alga to the substrate.
About your alga, can't say without seeing it. Leaf like structures are found among green, brown and red algae.
2007-02-06 15:59:21 · answer #1 · answered by Yarra 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
It would help a lot to see the picture you have!
There are some kinds of marine macroalgae that look like plants - they have a structure called a "holdfast" that looks like a root, but it's only used to anchor, not to absorb nutrients like a true root.
Here's a website with links to different macroalgaes. Maybe you can find something similar to your photo: http://saltcorner.com/sections/guest/algaepage/algaepage.htm
Good luck!
2007-02-06 23:43:45 · answer #2 · answered by copperhead 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋