Agnieszka PATYNA*, Stanisław WITCZAK – Department of Process Engineering, Opole University of Technology, Opole, Poland
Please cite as: CHEMIK 2016, 70, 10, 634–643

Microalgae are the longest living autotrophic taxon in the world [1]. Algae are tissueless organisms, protozoans or simple multicellular organisms. Among them are both prokaryotic microalgae (cyanobacteria, otherwise known as blue-green algae), as well as, eukaryotes, eg. green algae (Chloroxybacteria), red algae (Rhodophyta) and diatoms (Bacillariophta). Algae can reproduce sexually or asexually [2÷4]. They synthesize three main biochemical compounds and namely: carbohydrates, proteins and lipids (natural oils). Thanks to their high growth ratio they are widely recognized for synthesizing and accumulating a significantly larger amount of lipids than terrestrial plants [1]. They are considered to be the most resistant organisms on Earth, capable of growth under varied conditions. They can be found in humid areas and on water surfaces. They inhabit both fresh, as well as, extremely saline waters and practically each environment with sufficient access to light. They are also widely spread on land. The only thing what they have in common with higher plants is the presence of chlorophyll and the photosynthetic capacity.

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