The presence or absence of pigments which impart colour to the algae forms the main basis of classification of algae.
Classification of Algae:
|
Class
|
Pigments Present
|
Colour
|
|
1. Cyanophyceae (Blue Algae)
|
Phycocyanin
|
Blue
|
|
2. Chlorophyceae (Blue Green Algae)
|
Chlorophyll-a and b
|
Green
|
|
3. Phaeophyceae (Brown Algae)
|
Chlorophyll-a, c and Fucoxanthin
|
Brown
|
|
4. Rhodophyceae (Red Algae)
|
Chlorophyll-a, d and Phycoerythrin
|
Red
|
