Answer to Question #125099 in Biology for Megan

Question

WHAT GROUP OF ALGAE IS THE MOST CLOSELY RELATED TO THE VASCULAR PLANTS? WHAT SCIENTIFIC EVIDENCE SUPPORTS YOUR ANSWER?

Answer 1

Green algae are the most closely related to the vascular plants. This hypothesis is confirmed by the presence of similar types of pigments (chlorophyll a and b and carotenoids), the similar composition of cell walls (cellulose), and accumulate the same carbohydrate as an energy source (starch). In contrast, other types of algae are distinguished by other types of chlorophyll, cell wall components, and storage products.