Morphology of Ectocarpus (With Diagram) | Algae

In this article we will discuss about the external morphology of ectocarpus.

1. Plant body consists of thin, well-branched, brown- coloured filaments arranged in heterotrichous form.

2. Heterotrichousthallus is differentiated into a pros­trate system and an erect system (Fig. 36 A-D).

3. Prostrate system is creeping, septate, profusely branched and attaches the plant with the substra­tum, thus functioning as holdfast.

4. Each system arises from prostrate system and con­sists of many branched filaments.

5. Branches arise just below the septum. Branching is lateral.

6. In each branch the cells are arranged uniseriately.

7. A branch generally tapers into a series of elongated cells forming a colourless hair-like structure.

8. Each cell is rectangular and remains surrounded by a thick cell wall (Fig. 36 E, F).

9. Cell wall consists of an outer layer of pectose and an inner layer of cellulose.

10. Chromatophores are either discoid, ribbon-or band- shaped.

11. Chromatophores are irregular in outline and brown in colour.

12. Pyrenoid-like naked bodies are also sometimes seen in the cell.

13. The cells are uninucleate having mannitol and laminarin as reserve food.