Algae are which type of organisms?

• A. Non-photosynthetic bacteria
• B. Plantlike eukaryotes that are photosynthetic
• C. Parasitic worms
• D. Acellular particles

Answer: (B)

Algae are plantlike eukaryotes that carry out photosynthesis. They use chlorophyll and other pigments to capture light energy and convert it into chemical energy, producing sugars much like plants do, though many algae are not true plants and range from single-celled organisms to large seaweeds. They are diverse and primarily occupy aquatic environments where light is available, serving as major primary producers in ecosystems. This sets them apart from non-photosynthetic bacteria, which are prokaryotes and do not perform photosynthesis in the same way; from parasitic worms, which are animals; and from acellular particles like viruses, which lack cellular structure and metabolic capacity.