red algae
plural noun Biology.
marine algae of the phylum Rhodophyta, in which the chlorophyll is masked by a red or purplish pigment.
Origin of red algae
First recorded in 1850–55
Words nearby red algae
red,
red admiral,
red alder,
red alert,
red alga,
red algae,
red and the black, the,
red angus,
red ant,
red army,
red army faction
British Dictionary definitions for red alga
red algae
pl n
the numerous algae that constitute the phylum Rhodophyta, which contain a red pigment in addition to chlorophyll. The group includes carrageen, dulse, and laver
Also called: red seaweed
Scientific definitions for red alga
red alga
[ rĕd ]
Any of various photosynthetic protists belonging to the phylum Rhodophyta. Most red algae are marine seaweeds, with bladelike or filamentous bodies. Others deposit calcium carbonate in their cell walls and grow as crusty layers on rocks, and these species are essential reef-building organisms. Unicellular forms are also known, and a few red algae live in fresh water. Red algae have chlorophyll a as well as pigments called phycobilins, which impart the reddish colors characteristic of the group. Phycobilins absorb the blue and green wavelengths of light that reach deeper coastal waters where red algae are abundant. Red algae often show complicated life cycles involving an alternation of a haploid generation with two distinct diploid generations, both of which produce a different kind of spore. Their cell walls are made of cellulose and gelatinous polysaccharide compounds, some of which have commercial value. Agar and carrageenan are extracted from red algae, and the genus Porphyra is cultivated and dried to make nori, the edible seaweed used in sushi. See more at alga.