Multicellular green algae

Green algae is part of the phylum Chlorophyta. One important characteristic is that all algae must live in or near a source of water. Green algae contain chlorophyll, and  they have photosynthetic pigments. Green algae always store their food in the form of starch. Green algae have chloroplasts that are enclosed in a double membrane. Most multicellular green algae develop specialized tissues, but they lack leaves, and roots like the more complex plants of this kingdom. Green algae are isogamus, which means that rather than having separate male and female gametes, they have only one type of gamete. Below is a diagram of the life cycle of green algae. 

Haploid spores turn into a haploid leaf-like structure called a thallus. The thallus then produces gametes. When these gametes are fertilized, they change into Diploid zygotes. which under go meiosis and produce spores.

Below is a picture of Oedogonium algae

Green algae can corm long threadlike colonies like the ones depicted above. These colonies are called filaments. Oedogonium  algae often grow in ponds. 

Where do algae fit into the world? Algae provides homes for many animals; Is an important source of food. Humans use algae in many of the foods eaten today! Without algae, life as we know it would never have evolved, because algae produces much of the Earth's free oxygen through photosynthesis. The chemicals in algae are used for many different things such as medicines, processed products, and cosmetics. Algae is a very important part of our lives.