The Chromophyte Algae _ Problems And Perspectives. A Summarizing View

Abstract The general criteria used to distinguish the Chromista, containing not only many brown pigmented groups, but also important sections from the non-pigmented groups fungi and protozoa, is briefly discussed and a protistan viewpoint stressed for all taxa in these and the generally recognized algal series. The monophyletic nature of the Chromista based on the possession of tripartite tubular mastigonemes is stressed and the other key characters discussed. The composition of the ‘chromophytes’ is reviewed and a brief discussion and summary of the groups presented. The need to teach and write about the Chromista as a major segment of the organismal world of equal status with the ‘chiorophyte’ series _ which of course includes the higher plants _ is stressed. Finally, the naming of the group is unsatisfactory and a call for a better term is made.