Question

Branch dealing with the study of algae is
A. Phycology
B. Mycology
C. Microbiology
D. Oncology

Answer 1

Algae are a group of diverse organisms with specialized characteristics and behavior. They are eukaryotic photosynthetic organisms. They are represented from unicellular microalgae to diatoms and multicellular forms like kelp. They are mostly aquatic in nature.

Complete answer: Algae are a phylogenetic group of organisms that do not have a common ancestor. They are photosynthetic in nature and are aquatic. They range from simple unicellular representatives to multicellular complex ones. Though they are photosynthetic in nature but they lack many distinctive features of cell and tissue types found in the plants such as stomata, vascular tissues such as xylem and phloem.
Algae are defined as the organisms that have chlorophyll as their primary photosynthetic pigment and do not contain sterile covering of cells around their dividing cells. Some of the representatives are also referred to as blue green algae. The algae which contain the green pigment which is known as the primary chloroplast and other algae such as diatoms and brown algae contain a secondary chloroplast which is derived from an endosymbiotic red algae.
The branch of science dealing with the study of algae is known as phycology. It includes the study of prokaryotic forms of algae such as blue green algae or cyanobacteria. The branch of phycology deals with the freshwater as well as marine algae and diatoms.
The study of algae known as phycology became a well-recognized field of study during the late nineteen century and towards the beginning of the early twentieth century. William H. Harvey is considered as the father of modern phycology. His works on algae, especially the division of algae into four major divisions on the basis of pigmentation was an important study.
Mycology is the study of fungi which are eukaryotic unicellular or multicellular organisms and have special uses as food, medicines and in beverages.
Microbiology is the field of study of microorganisms which may be unicellular, multicellular or acellular and may or may not be seen through naked eyes.

Therefore, the correct option is option A.

Note: Phycology is the branch of study of algae. Algae are eukaryotic organisms that are found in the aquatic habitats. They are photosynthetic organisms as they consist of the green pigment chlorophyll. Some of the algae contained colored pigment such as red and brown. They are classified into four important divisions based on their pigments.