SWOT with Narayankar

Algae belongs to division Thallophyta. algae grow in marine or fresh water. Most of them are free-living while some are symbiotic. i. Habitat: Algae are mostly aquatic, few grow on other plants as epiphytes and some grow symbiotically. Some algae are epizoic ie, growing or living non-parasitically on the exterior of living organisms. ii. Aquatic Structure: Plant body is thalloid i.e. undifferentiated into root, stem and leaves. They may be small, unicellular, microscopic like Chlorella (non-motile), Chlamydomonas (motile). They can he multicellular, unbranched, filamentous like Spirogyra or branched and filamentous like Chara. Sargassum is a huge iii. macroscopic sea weed which measures more than 60 meters in length. Cell wall: The algal cell wall contains either polysaccharides like cellulose / glucose or a variety of proteins or both. iv. Reserve food material: Reserve food is in the form of starch and its other forms, Photosynthetic pigments: Photosynthetic pigments like chlorophyll

Thallophyta is a group of lower plants that lack distinct stems, leaves, and roots. Instead, they have a simple body called a thallus, which is undifferentiated into specialized parts. Algae, fungi, and some bacteria fall into this category. Thallophytes can be found in diverse environments, and their reproductive structures vary widely. They play essential roles in ecosystems, contributing to processes like photosynthesis and decomposition.

Plant symbiosis refers to mutually beneficial relationships between plants and other organisms. Examples include mycorrhizal associations with fungi, where plants exchange nutrients with the fungi, and nitrogen-fixing bacteria in root nodules that help plants acquire nitrogen. These symbiotic relationships enhance plant growth and health. Plant symbiosis encompasses various mutually beneficial relationships between plants and other organisms. Examples include: 1. **Mycorrhizal Symbiosis:** Plants form partnerships with fungi (mycorrhizae) to enhance nutrient uptake. The fungi aid in the absorption of water and nutrients, while the plants provide sugars to the fungi. 2. **Nitrogen-Fixing Symbiosis:** Certain plants, like legumes, host nitrogen-fixing bacteria in their root nodules. These bacteria convert atmospheric nitrogen into a form that plants can use for growth, benefiting both partners. 3. **Rhizobium-Legume Symbiosis:** Leguminous plants engage in a symbiotic relationship with R

Epiphytes are plants that grow on other plants, like trees, but they don't take nutrients from them. Instead, they use the host plant for support. Epiphytes get their nutrients from rain, air, and debris that collect around them. They don't harm the host plant; they just hitch a ride and find creative ways to survive in the treetops.