Ectocarpales
A large brown algal order with diverse tissue organization.
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Velela · via Wikipedia: Ectocarpales · CC BY-SA 2.5
Ectocarpales is a very large order within the brown algae, class Phaeophyceae. The order includes families with pseudoparenchymatous (Splachnidiaceae) or true parenchymatous (Scytosiphonaceae) tissue. Pseudoparenchymatous tissue, found in the Splachnidiaceae family, is made of filaments whose cells are packed so tightly that they mimic the look of parenchyma. True parenchymatous tissue, seen in the Scytosiphonaceae, is composed of cells that can divide in three dimensions—an unusual ability among algae.
Most filamentous algae only divide in one plane, growing longer as single or multi-row strands. Division in two planes allows for sheet-like bodies, while a third plane of division enables more complex forms, such as an erect thallus and a holdfast for attachment. A 2014 classification lists these families: Acinetosporaceae, Adenocystaceae, Chordariaceae, Ectocarpaceae, Petrospongiaceae, and Scytosiphonaceae.
Scientific classification
- CladeEukaryota
- CladeSar<!-- Do not change Sar to SAR. The consensus was to use Sar in the taxonomy template. -->
- CladeStramenopiles
- ClassPhaeophyceae
- OrderEctocarpales
Named by Setchell & N.L.Gardner
Sources: Wikipedia taxobox: Ectocarpales (CC BY-SA 4.0)
Quick Facts
- Order size
- very large
Facts from the source article.
Background
Ectocarpales includes families with pseudoparenchymatous (Splachnidiaceae) or true parenchymatous (Scytosiphonaceae) tissue. Pseudoparenchymatous refers to a filamentous alga with cells packed very close together to give an appearance of parenchymatous tissue. True parenchymatous tissue is composed of cells that can truly divide in three dimensions, which is unusual among the algae. Filamentous algae are composed of cells that divide along a single plane, allowing only elongation to form filaments of one or more rows of cells.
Algae that can divide in two planes can form sheet-like thalli or bodies. Cells that can divide in a third plane potentially allow for the organism to develop a more complex body plan, and diversification of body plans into an erect thallus and a holdfast for attaching the upright portion to the substrate. A 2014 classification recognizes six families: Acinetosporaceae, Adenocystaceae, Chordariaceae, Ectocarpaceae, Petrospongiaceae, and Scytosiphonaceae.
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Sources
Compiled from Wikipedia and the sources listed below. Text from Wikipedia is available under CC BY-SA 4.0; this entry is adapted from it.
- Wikipedia: Ectocarpales (CC BY-SA 4.0).
- Word definitions: the Codexery glossary, each quoted from its Wikipedia article.
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