The main characteristics of Rhodophyceae are:
-
The members of the family are commonly known as red algae.
-
The characteristic red colour of the algae is due to the presence of phycobilins.
-
Most of the members are Marine.
-
Cell wall contains agar and Carrageenin.
-
Food is stored in the form of floridean starch.
-
Motile stages are absent in red algae.
-
Vegetative reproduction by fragmentation, asexually by non-motile spores.
-
Sexual reproduction occurs by oogamy.
-
Fruiting body of the red algae is known as Cystocarp.
