Phylum Chrysophyta

Chrysophytes are distinguished from other algae by their two flagella (also called undulipodia), which are unequal in length. The Chrysophytes also possess characteristic photosynthetic and accessory pigments that give them a golden yellow color. Cells are found primarily in freshwater habitats and either live alone as single cells, or joined together in colonies, filaments or thalli (leaf-like forms). The chrysophytes obtain energy through photosynthesis, although many species are also able absorb dissolved organic carbon as a food source. Chrysophytes characteristically contain the different chlorophyll molecules: a, c1, and c2. Cells store their excess energy in chrysolaminarin, a type of carbohydrate. Most cells are brown or golden in color because of their accessory pigment, a molecule that absorbs light, called fucoxanthin. Blooms of some species may produce unpleasant tastes and odors in drinking water.