ChromalveolataBy Jasper Ophel, Keith Morrison, Karina Veloso, Emily Lima

Features Many contain plastids from red algae and

originated from red algae

Very diverse supergroup

Stramenopiles are mainly photosynthetic

They have a hairy flagellum paired with a non-hairy flagellum

Alveolates have alveoli, membrane bounded sac, under the plasma membrane

Cellulose in most cell walls

Most have chloroplasts

Common Species and Characteristics

Phytophthora infestans is a water mold that caused the Irish potato famine, it was thought to be a fungi, as it has fungal hyphae – like appendages, but was later found to be a protist.

Diatoms are a greatly diverse group of unicellular algae, diatoms have exteremly complex three dimensional walls that can withstand forces greater than 60% of what a normal cell wall can handle. This protects them from predators.

Siliceous shells of diatoms are used for reflective paint, toothpaste, and diatomaceous earth (filter)

Diatoms are one of the major photosynthetic producers and produce much of the oxygen we breathe, also take in much of the carbon dioxide from the atmosphere

Ecological and Evolutionary Significance

Originated from red algae more than a billion years ago

Dinoflagellates make red tides which hurt fish and oyster populations

Oomycetes are water molds and serve as decomposers

Diatoms are photosynthetic and produce much of the oxygen and take in much of the carbon dioxide in the atmosphere

Apicomplexans are harmful parasites to animals

Brown algae or Kelp creates a habitat for marine creatures and is a main part of the diet of coastal communities

Pictures