Algae are diverse photosynthetic organisms that include both unicellular and multicellular species. They can be found in various environments, from oceans to freshwater habitats. Algae play a crucial role in aquatic ecosystems as primary producers and form the foundation of many food webs. Some algal species, such as kelp and spirulina, have economic importance as food sources or in industrial applications. Despite their significance, algae are often overlooked and understudied compared to land plants.