The majority of people love to get mesmerized by their surroundings. People get awed by the wonders possessed by the environment, which includes versatile living organisms. Generally, the bigger living organisms get noticed, and the smaller minute ones get unnoticed.
However, both large and tiny creatures play an important role in balancing the ecosystem. Two among them are protozoa and algae. Although, these two sets of organisms can be differentiated easily based on their structure and looks. In this article, we will study how algae differ from protozoa in detail.
Algae vs Protozoa
The main difference between algae and protozoa is that algae are non-flowering, small, aquatic plants having a green pigment called chlorophyll in them. They lack root, true stem, vascular system and leaves. In contrast, protozoa are prokaryotic organisms belonging to the Protista kingdom. The cell wall of algae is made up of a substance called cellulose. In contrast, the cell wall is absent in protozoa.
Algae contain a green coloured pigment in them, called chlorophyll. The cell wall of algae is made up of a substance called cellulose. Spore is the resting unit of algae. Some examples of algae are cyanobacteria, brown algae, Seaweeds, red algae, green algae. Algae produce toxic chemicals which are hazardous to humans.
Protozoa are prokaryotic organisms, i.e., single-celled animals. Protozoa are prokaryotic organisms belonging to the Protista kingdom. Protozoa are organisms possessing animal-like characteristics. Protozoa are not capable of making their food. Hence they are heterotrophs.
Comparison Table Between Algae and Protozoa
| Parameters of Comparison | Algae | Protozoa |
| Cells | Multicellular/Eukaryotic; some are single-celled too. | Single-celled/Prokaryotic; some are multicellular too. |
| Definition | Algae are non-flowering, small, aquatic plants having a green pigment called chlorophyll in them. They lack root, true stem, vascular system and leaves. | Protozoa are prokaryotic organisms belonging to the Protista kingdom. |
| Characteristics | Algae are organisms possessing plant-like characteristics. | Protozoa are organisms possessing animal-like characteristics. |
| Method Of obtaining Energy | Algae make their own food. Hence they are autotrophs. | Protozoa are not capable of making their own food. Hence they are heterotrophs. |
| Significance | Photosynthesis | Phagocytosis |
| Chlorophyll | Chlorophyll is present. | Chlorophyll is absent. |
| Cell Wall | The cell wall of algae is made up of a substance called cellulose. | The cell wall is absent. |
| Resting Unit | Spore | cyst |
| Examples | Cyanobacteria, brown algae, Seaweeds, red algae, green algae. | Euglena, Amoeba, Entamoeba histolytica, Paramecium, Leishmania. |
| In humans | Algae produce toxic chemicals which are really hazardous to humans. | Protozoa are capable of causing diseases in humans such as malaria by plasmodium. |
| Importance | Around 70% of oxygen is produced by algae in the atmosphere. | Most aquatic food chains depend upon protozoa as their foundation. |
What is Algae?
Algae are generally microscopic, which are unicellular. These types of unicellular Protozoa are called microalgae. In contrast, the types of multicellular protozoa are called macroalgae. These grow at a length of hundred feet and are seaweeds. Kelp is an example of seaweeds. Algae make their food. Hence they are autotrophs.
Algae are multicellular organisms or eukaryotic organisms. Algae are non-flowering, small aquatic plants having a green pigment called chlorophyll in them. They lack root, true stem, vascular system and leaves. Algae are organisms possessing plant-like characteristics. By the process of photosynthesis, algae produce foods. Around 70% of oxygen is produced by algae in the atmosphere.