About This Book
A Textbook of Algae provides an in-depth study of algae, a diverse group of photosynthetic
organisms found in a variety of aquatic and terrestrial environments. Algae play a critical role in
ecosystems as primary producers, converting sunlight into energy and supporting entire food
webs. This textbook covers the fundamental aspects of algal biology, including their structure,
classification, reproduction, and ecology. The book begins with an introduction to the basic
characteristics of algae, exploring their cellular structure, pigmentation, and classification. Algae
range from simple, unicellular organisms like phytoplankton to more complex, multicellular forms
such as seaweeds. The textbook explains the differences between major algal groups, such as
green, brown, and red algae, and the evolutionary relationships between them. In addition to their
biology, the textbook delves into algal reproduction. Algae reproduce both sexually and asexually,
with various mechanisms for spore formation, gamete fusion, and vegetative propagation.
Understanding these processes is essential for studying algal life cycles and population dynamics.
The textbook also explores the ecological roles of algae, including their contribution to oxygen
production and their use in biotechnological applications such as biofuels and food supplements.
Additionally, the impact of algal blooms and their effects on aquatic environments is discussed in
the context of environmental science and sustainability. A Textbook of Algae offers a
comprehensive study of the biology, classification, reproduction, and ecological significance of
algae, emphasizing their role in ecosystems and biotechnology.
Contents: 1. Introduction, 2. Algae Farming: Growing, Harvesting, and Processing Methods,
3. Biological Sustainability through Algae Systems, 4. Algae Cultivation and Production Techniques,
5. Algal Mechanisms for Carbon Concentration, 6. The Role of Green Algae in Marine and Sea
Ecosystems, 7. Roles of Algae in Biogeochemistry, 8. The Taxonomy of Algae: Classification and
Groups, 9. Reproductive Processes in Algal Species, 10. Algae and Their Impact on Biogeochemical
Processes.
