Everything about Macrocystis totally explained
Macrocystis is a genus of
kelp (
Algae). This genus contains the largest of all the
Phaeophyceae or
brown algae.
Macrocystis has
pneumatocysts at the base of its
blades.
Sporophytes are perennial, and individual stipes may persist for many years. Common along the coast of the eastern
Pacific Ocean, from central
California to
Baja California.
Description
Macrocystis is a genus of kelp, some species of which are so huge that the plants may grow to up to 60m (200ft).The stipes arise from a
holdfast and branch three or four times from near the base. Blades develop at irregular intervals along the stipe.
M. pyrifera grows to over 45m (150ft) long.
Life Cycle
The
sporophyte has many sporangia located in its blades, which, through
meiosis, releases haploid
spores, which will grow into female and male
gametophytes. These gametophytes grow
mitotically, and produce gametes, sperm and eggs. The gametophytes are microscopic. The female has larger and fewer cells then the male. The male releases its sperm, which find their way to the female, following a pheremone released by the female, there it fertilizes the egg, to form the
zygote, which, through mitosis, begins growth.
Growth
Juvenile giant kelp grow directly on the parent female gametophyte, extending one or two primary blades, and beginning a rudimentary holdfast, which will eventually cover the gametophyte completely. Growth occurs with lengthening of the stipe, and splitting of the blades. This occurs by means of small tears where the blade meets the stipe, which splits the stipe into two. Pneumatocysts grow after the first few blade splittings.
Ecology
Grows forming extensive beds, large "floating canopies", on a rocky substrate.
(External Link
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