Question

“Golden algae” is the common name of algae belonging to
(a)Chrysophyta
(b)Pyrrophyta
(c)Euglenophyta
(d)Cyanophyta

Answer 1

Hint: A significant feature used to classify members of this class of golden algae in the presence of a siliceous cyst that is formed endogenously. This structure is typically globose and contains a single pore, called a statospore, stomatocyte, or statocyst. The surface of mature cysts may be ornamented with various structural elements and may be useful for species differentiation.

Complete answer:
-Golden algae (Chrysophyceae class), also known as golden-brown algae, are a class of approximately 33 genera and some 1,200 species of algae (Chromophyta division) occurring both in fresh and marine waters
-Chrysophytes are distinguished by the presence of golden-colored yellow and brown carotenoids, hence the term golden algae.
-Via the development of motile and nonmotile spores and through cell division, asexual reproduction occurs.
-Their heterokont flagella, yellow accessory pigments, and their silicified endogenous resting phases (stomatocysts) are characterized.

Additional Information: -The category is relatively varied in type, and its taxonomy is controversial.
-Most golden algae with two specialized flagella are single-celled biflagellates.
-They are defined as a food reserve by the pigment fucoxanthin and by the use of oil droplets.
-Many are encased in a cyst of silica known as a statocyst or statospore, whose ornamentation may be used to differentiate between organisms.
-It is unusual to reproduce sexually.
-Most of them are free-swimming and single-cell, but there are types of filament and colonies.
-They occur primarily in lakes and ponds of fresh water, neutral or slightly acidic, sometimes somewhat humic, and with some nutrient addition.
So, the correct answer is ‘Chrysophyta’

Note: -Prymnesium parvum is a microscopic (about 10 μm) flagellated algae, usually referred to as 'golden algae’ , which is capable of producing toxins that can cause extensive killing of fish. Globally, this algal species is found.