The main characteristics of Myxophyceae are;
-
Myxophyceae also known as cyanophyceae; the algae of this family commonly known as blue green algae.
-
The cell wall is made up cellulose and pectic compound surrounded by gelatinous sheath.
-
The blue green colour is due to the presence of blue green pigment called phycocyanin.
-
Other pigments are phycoerythrin, chlorophyll a, chlorophyll b, xanthophyll and carotenoids.
-
Reserve food materials are oil drops and proteineous body called cyanophycean granules.
-
Presence of incipient nucleus present at the central region.
-
Some of the members show a phenomenon called as complementary chromatic adaptation or Gaidukov phenomenon.
-
Vegetative reproduction occurs by cell division and hormogonium formation.
-
Sexual reproduction is completely absent.
-
Some of the members grow in symbiotic association.
