| ABSTRACT Cell coverings can be observed in all major groups of organisms, which include animals, plants, fungi, protists and prokaryotes. They play a key role in assuring cell survival or adaptation to certain environmental conditions. Since the term algae refers to a polyphyletic and very artificial group, the cell coverings of these organisms are very diverse in molecular composition and with different arrangements. Differences have taxonomic value since they allow microalgae phyla or even minor taxonomic groups, such as classes, orders or families, to be distinguished. Understanding the structure of cell coverings is also fundamental for the use of microalgae to obtain products of commercial value. Despite its importance, the composition and... |
