Protophyta

plural noun

Pro·toph·y·ta | \ prəˈtäfətə\

Definition of Protophyta

: a major category of lower plants: such as

a in former classifications : a division or other group comprising the algae, fungi, and lichens

b in some especially former classifications : a division or other group comprising unicellular plants and including bacteria, yeasts, slime molds, blue-green algae, and various simple green algae —often used as a term of convenience rather than strict taxonomy — compare protista

c in some classifications : a division comprising unicellular and noncellular organisms and including blue-green algae, bacteria, rickettsias and related organisms, and viruses —used chiefly in bacteriological taxonomy