THALLOPHYTE

The thallophytes are a group of non-mobile polyphyletic living organisms that are classified as a group of living organisms. Thallophytes are also referred to as thallophyta or thallobionta, depending on their classification. Thallophytes are identified and classified based on the presence of characteristics that are identical or similar to one another. Even though they do not share a common ancestor, they are grouped into a single class based on other similar characteristics.

The absence of a vascular system in the body of thallophytes results in the absence of conducting tissues in the body. Algae, slime moulds, fungi, and lichens are examples of the types of living organisms that fall under the thallophytes category.

Thallophyte characteristics:

All living organisms classified under the class thallophyta include several characteristics that are similar to one another. Halophytes have several distinct characteristics, which are listed below:-

• Thallophytes are individuals who do not have a clearly defined body structure. They do not have body structures such as stems, leaves, or roots, which distinguish them from plants. The body’s structure is ambiguous or indistinguishable from one another.
• Thallophytes are most commonly found in moist environments. The reason for this is that they lack a vascular system and true roots, both of which are necessary for the transportation of minerals and water. As a result, they are most commonly found in wet environments.
• Thallophytes are autotrophs, which means that they are responsible for preparing their food. Photosynthesis is the process by which they prepare their food. It is either consumed immediately or converted into starch when glucose is produced by photosynthesis. Starch is the reserve food material found in autotrophic thallophytes, and it is a carbohydrate.
• Nonetheless, fungi are the only living organisms that rely on the food provided by other living organisms.
• The cell wall of the majority of thallophytes is made of cellulose, which is a sugar.
• Thallophytes are creatures that do not have a vascular system. Water and minerals are unable to be transported because there are no conducting tissues available to do so.
• Thallophytes are plants that do not have xylem or phloem.
• In the majority of thallophytes, the reproductive organs are composed of a single cell and are straightforward.
• In thallophytes, the process of embryo formation is not taking place.
• In thallophytes, reproduction is accomplished through the fusion of male and female gametes, respectively.
• The lifecycle of thallophytes is divided into two phases: the diploid phase and the diplohaplontic phase. The haploid phase of the lifecycle of thallophytes is the gamete-producing phase, which is why it is referred to as the gametophytic phase. The diploid phase is the spore-bearing phase, which is why it is referred to as the sporophytic phase.

Characteristics of a thallophyte include:-

 Phylogenetic classification of thallophytes: Thallophytes are divided into two groups: fungi and algae. Examine these two sub-divisions of the thallophyte in greater detail now.

Fungi

• Fungi are achlorophyllous and non-mobile thallophytes, which means they do not move. Chitin is the structural component of the cell wall of fungi.
• Mushrooms can’t synthesise their food because of the absence of chlorophyll. As a result, fungi are reliant on other living organisms for their food supply.
• A good example of this is the combination of algae and other plants. Because they are chlorophyllous, fungi and algae form a symbiotic relationship. Algae provide food for fungi, and fungi protect algae from the sun’s harmful ultraviolet rays. Symbiosis is a type of coexistence in which two organisms work together to ensure the survival of the other.
• The lichen is an example of a fungus that lives in symbiosis with algae and is a type of fungus. Algae and fungi are both considered to be single organisms.

Algae

• Algae are thalloid chlorophyllous plants. Algae are autotrophic, which means they are capable of producing their food.
• They are straightforward and primarily aquatic (marine or freshwater). They can be found in a variety of habitats, including wood, moist stones, and soils, among other things. A few fungi coexist with other fungi and animals in their natural habitat. An illustration of algae and fungi: Lichen Sloth bear is an example of algae combined with an animal.
• In terms of size and shape, algae are extremely variable. Depending on the species, algae can be as small as microscopic structures or as large as filamentous and colonial forms.
• Chlamydomonas is an example of a microscopic fungus. Spirogyra and Volvox are filamentous fungi, which are colonies of fungi.
• Algae reproduce sexually, that is, through the fertilisation of male and female gametes, rather than vegetatively. Different types of algae reproduce in different ways, depending on their genetic makeup. For example, the bacterium Chlamydomonas reproduces sexually using an isogamous system in which both gametes are of equal size. Anisogamous reproduction occurs in a few Chlamydomonas species, which means that the gametes are not all of the same sizes. Asexual reproduction occurs in species such as fucus and volvox, in which the female gamete is large and non-motile while the male gamete is small and motile, resulting in oogamous reproduction.

The following are the primary advantages of algae:

• Algae provide numerous benefits to humans. Algae are responsible for at least 12 percent of the CO2 fixed on the planet.

• They engage in photosynthesis, increasing the amount of dissolved oxygen in their immediate environment. They can synthesise high-energy compounds that serve as the foundation for aquatic food chains.

• Algae species such as Porphyra and sargassum are used as food.

• Agar is a gelatinous substance derived from gracilaria or gelidium that is widely used in the production of chocolates, jellies, and ice creams.

• Several species, such as spirulina and chlorella, are used as food supplements due to their high protein content.

CONCLUSION:

From the following article we can conclude that: A polyphyletic group of non-mobile organisms that are grouped based on similarity of characteristics, but do not share a common ancestor, is the Thallophyta. Thallophytes are also referred to as thallophyta or thallobionta, depending on their classification. Thallophytes are identified and classified based on the presence of characteristics that are identical or similar to one another.