Question

Major pigments of rhodophyceae are
A. Chlorophyll a and b
B. Chlorophyll a, c and fucoxanthin
C. Chlorophyll a, d and phycoerythrin
D. None of the above

Answer 1

Members of rhodophyceae are commonly called red algae because of the presence of a red colored pigment. They are mostly marine and commonly found in the warmer areas.

Complete answer:
To answer this question, we will discuss the general characters of rhodophyceae.
1. They are found in marine water (majorly) as well as fresh water.
2. Flagella is absent.
3. They are multicellular. Some have complex body organizations.
4. Photosynthetic pigments are chlorophyll a, d and phycoerythrin.
5. Stored food is in the form of floridean starch.
6. Cell wall is composed of cellulose, pectin and polysulphate.
7. Reproduce vegetatively by fragmentation.
8. Asexual reproduction occurs by non-motile spores and sexual reproduction occurs by non-motile gametes.
9. Sexual reproduction is oogamous and involves complex post fertilization events.
Common members of rhodophyceae are- Polysiphonia , Porphyra , Gelidium , Gracilaria.
Option A. Chlorophyll a and b is wrong as these pigments are found in green algae also called Chlorophyceae.
Option B. Chlorophyll a, c and fucoxanthin is wrong as these pigments are found in brown algae also called Phaeophyceae.
Option C. Chlorophyll a, d and phycoerythrin is the correct option as these are the pigments found in red algae also called Rhodophyceae.

Hence, the correct answer is option C.

Note:
Red algae are an important part of the ecosystem as they are consumed as food by various organisms such as crustaceans, fish, worms and humans. Red algae produces agar which is used in the manufacture of jellies and ice-creams. They are rich in calcium and also used as vitamin supplements.