Chrysophyta

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Chrysophyta (golden algae, golden-brown algae) A division of predominantly unicellular algae (sometimes alternatively regarded as protozoa, class Phytomastigophora) in which the chloroplasts contain large amounts of the pigment fucoxanthin, giving the algae their brown colour. Most are flagellated, having one flagellum of the tinsel type and a second flagellum of the whiplash type, which may be reduced to a short stub. Cysts or resting spores are formed which are often characteristically ornamented with spines, etc.; the cyst walls contain silica. Chrysophytes are found mainly in freshwater habitats that are low in calcium. Genera include Chromulina, Mallomonas, Ochromonas, and Synura.

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