What are Algae?
Algae are unicellular or multicellular eukaryotic autotrophs. Algae are vital living organisms that play a significant role in the world energy cycle. Algae have no specialized organs or cells. Unicellular, filamentous, and thallus algae are the three forms of algae. Only a few species of algae may be found on land, most of which are located in aquatic settings. They can be free-floating or sessile in the aquatic environment.
Algae, which were formerly categorized as a plant kingdom sub-category, now belong to the Protista Kingdom. According to current research, there are over 320,500 different kinds of algae on the planet.They do not have real roots, stalks, or leaves nor a circulatory system to move nutrients and water throughout their systems.
They also come in a variety of forms and sizes. Algae have several important roles in the Earth’s atmosphere. Algae is accountable for setting up around half of the O2 and storing CO2 so that it does not enter the Earth’s atmosphere. Furthermore, some algae are also used in the food business. Gelidium and Gracilaria are used to make agar, which is used to make ice cream and jellies. Chlorella and Spirulina are two more algae-based nutritional supplements that are frequently utilized.
What are Plants?
Plants are classified as multicellular, photosynthetic eukaryotes. Furthermore, they belong to the Plantae kingdom. Plants may be located in many different environments and temperatures. Plants, for the most part, are highly vascular creatures. They have complex root and shoot systems composed of connective tissues that help with food and water transportation throughout the organism. These xylem and phloem bundles are critical for the movement of minerals plus water.
Plants are found on land, although certain species, such as water lilies in freshwater resources and eelgrass in marine waters may also be found in water. Plants are classified into two categories: flowering plants and non-flowering plants.
Plants are said to be the most generous living creatures. It’s because they provide oxygen and food for humans and animals. The significance of plants, however, does not stop there. They also take carbon dioxide from the air and produce fresh air for humans to breathe. They play a vital role in the water and nitrogen cycles, respectively. They are the major food source, and their presence is crucial to the survival of all living things.
Difference Between Algae and Plants
- Algae are Protista-classified organisms that can be unicellular or multicellular. Plants, on the other hand, are complex multicellular organisms that belong under the Kingdom Plantae.
- Because most algae are aquatic, they are located deep in the water, where they can readily float. These species can be seen on land as well as in the snow. Plants, on the other hand, are terrestrial organisms that are permanently attached to the ground surface. Some plants may be found underwater.
- Algae include chlorophyll and carotenoid pigments in addition to the phycobilin component.
- Phycology is the scientific study of algae. Botany, on the other hand, refers to the study of plants.
- Algae have the potential to self-replicate and reproduce in a sporadic method. Conversely, plants have a more complicated reproductive mechanism and use their organs for pollination.
Comparison Between Algae and Plants
| Parameters of Comparison | Algae | Plants |
| Classification | These species belong to the Kingdom Protista which can be unicellular or multicellular. | Plants are complex multicellular structures that belong to the Kingdom Plantae. |
| Structure | They do not have a complete root and shoot system, but they do have rhizoids that may connect to a surface. | They have a root and shoot system that is clearly defined. |
| Habitat | They may be seen in a wide range of aquatic habitats. At times, it can also be seen on snow and land. | They live largely on land, although they may sometimes be found in water. |
| Cellular Count | Algae can be multicellular or unicellular creatures. | Plants are multicellular in nature. |
| Mobility | They are mobile creatures. | They are immobile because their roots are attached to the soil. |
| Study | The study of algae is known as phycology. | Botany is a branch of science that studies plants. |