Question

Most advanced group of Algae is
A. Myxophyta
B. Chlorophyta
C. Xanthophyta
D. Phaeophyta

Answer 1

Hint: Algae are eukaryotic organisms, i.e. their nucleus is membrane-bound. Most of the algal population has the pigment chlorophyll, allowing them to synthesize food via the process of photosynthesis. These organisms can be unicellular like in case of diatoms or multicellular like seaweed. The majority of the algal population belong to three main categories- Chlorophyceae, Rhodophyceae, Phaeophyceae.

Complete answer:
Myxophyta is not a part of algae. These are Cyanobacteria also called blue-green algae. Even although the name suggests algae, blue-green are prokaryotes. But just like algae, this organism is also capable of performing photosynthesis and is usually found in aquatic ecosystems. Chlorophyta also known as green algae mostly found in freshwater. Their cell wall is composed of cellulose. They perform photosynthesis and store food in the form of starch. This starch is stored in pyrenoid bodies. They usually undergo an asexual mode of reproduction.
Xanthophyta or yellow-green algae have pigments such as chlorophyll and abundant carotenoids. The absence of fucoxanthin gives them a light color. Their cell walls are made up of cellulose and hemicellulose. Certain Xanthophytes store food as oil droplets. There is no special organ to store food. Phaeophyta or brown algae are usually found in marine water. Along with chlorophylls, carotenoids fucoxanthin is also present (gives the brown color). The cell wall has the components of cellulose and alginic acid. The food ( laminarin, mannitol) is not stored in any particular organ.
Chlorophytes have pyrenoid bodies to store food. This evolution indicates that Chlorophytes is the most advanced group among the algae.
So, the correct answer is “Option B”.

Note:
Algae are the producers in the aquatic system, forming the foundation of the aquatic food chain. Nitrates and phosphates (found in detergents) when discharged into the water bodies lead to a drastic increase in the algal population, this is known as eutrophication. Excessive algal growth covers the surfaces of the water bodies and affects the dissolved oxygen levels.