Golden algae - Chrysophyta
The name golden-algae is based on the golden or yellow pigments where the green colour of the chlorophyll are masked.
This group is wide distributed in fresh water and many seem to prefer unpolluted, relatively cool water. Here the group plays a dominant role in the totally biomass-production.
The cells are unicellular or the cells are united in colonies. The two flagella afford the cell or the colony to move. Some golden-algae have a characteristic and unique type of siliceous or cellulose coating to their cells. Some cells are without any form for covering, only the cell-membran is surrounding the cell content. Most of the species produce a special type of silicified spores or cysts to survive unfavourable periods. The reproduction is based on dividing the cells.
Some of the species varies between autotrophic and heterotrophic way of life. In the heterotrophic period they live of bacteria, particles or other algae.
sl. Bitrichia (single cell)
sl.Dinobryon (colony)
sl.Mallomonas (single cell)
sl.Synura (colony)