The members of phaeophyceae or brown algae are found primarily in marine habitats. They possess chlorophyll , , carotenoids and xanthophylls. Vegetative reproduction takes place by fragmentation. Asexual reproduction in most brown algae is by biflagellate zoospores that are pear-shaped and have two unequal laterally attached flagella. In sexual reproduction, the gametes are pyriform (pear-shaped) and bear two laterally attached flagella.

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