Question

Heterotrichous habit is common among
A. Brown algae
B. Red algae
C. Yellow green algae
D. Green algae

Answer 1

Heterotrichous is a condition that occurs in some filamentous algae. In this condition, the algal body is composed of both the prostate filaments and the protruding upright filaments.

Complete answer:
Heterotrichy condition is a condition where the plants produce two different types of branches, i.e. the prostrate branches and the erect branches. The erect system of the filaments in a plant body develops from the prostate type system of the filaments. In prostrate type branches, the branches lie just above the ground level while in case of erect branches, the branches are erect. Heterotrichous habit is common among the green algae like Fritschiella, Draparnaldia, etc.

Hence, the correct answer is option (D).

Additional information:
Green algae possess chloroplasts which contain both chlorophyll a and b which gives them a bright green colour, along with the accessory pigments like beta carotene (red-orange) and xanthophylls (yellow) present in stacked thylakoids. The cell wall of the green algae generally contain cellulose, and store carbohydrate in the form of starch.
All green algae contain mitochondria which contain flat cristae. Paired flagella are used to move the cell in some of the plants. They are attached with a cross-shaped system of the microtubules and many fibrous strands. Flagella are present only in motile male gametes of families of charophytes, bryophytes, pteridophytes, cycads and in Ginkgo. Flagella are absent in the gametes of Pinophyta and flowering plants.

Note: The green algae are a large and informal group of algae which consist of the Chlorophyta and Charophyta/Streptophyta, and are now placed in distinct divisions, along with the basal Mesostigmatophyceae, Chlorokybophyceae and Spirotaenia. The embryophytes of land plants are supposed to have emerged from the charophytes.