Rhodophyceae (Red Algae)

Rhodophyceae, the red algae, take their colour from the pigment phycoerythrin.

Habitat. Found in both marine and fresh water, occupying habitats from the surface to the deep sea, as well as brackish water.

Body form. The plant body is thalloid.

Pigments and cell wall. Cells contain chlorophyll a and d along with phycoerythrin. The cell wall is composed of cellulose and pectin, held together by other carbohydrates.

Stored food. Reserve food is stored as Floridean starch, a form specific to this group. …