what is algae

Algae is a diverse group of aquatic organisms that have the ability to conduct photosynthesis. They are simple plants that live in oceans, lakes, rivers, ponds, and moist soil. Algae can be unicellular or multicellular, and they range in size from microscopic to massive kelp. They are not closely related in an evolutionary sense, and the phylogeny of the group remains to be delineated. Algae are not highly differentiated in the way that plants are, and they lack true roots, stems, and leaves, and a vascular system to circulate water and nutrients throughout their bodies. Algae can be used as indicator organisms to monitor pollution in various aquatic systems, and they can be sampled from the environment and maintained in laboratories with relative ease. Algae are generally grouped according to color, which is based upon the chlorophyll and other pigments found in the algae cells. Algae can be used as a source of crude oil and as sources of food and a number of pharmaceutical and industrial products for humans. Recent developments in science and technology have enabled algae to be used as a source of fuel, and algae fuel is an increasingly viable alternative to traditional fossil fuels.