Question

Write a note on the economic importance of algae.

Answer 1

Algae are a diverse group of eukaryotic organisms which are chlorophyll pigment in their structure. Due to the presence of chlorophyll pigment they function in photosynthesis.

Complete answer:
Algae are photosynthetic organisms that can either be unicellular or multicellular. They lack the division of the plant body into roots, stems and leaves. They are found in places with adequate presence of moisture. They made of reproduction of algae can be both sexual or asexual. The three main classifications of algae are phaeophyceae that is brown algae, chlorophyll is the green algae and rhodophyta is the red algae. Examples of algae- Ulothrix, focus, porphyra, spirogyra. The economic importance of algae are:
(1) Food material: Algae can be used as a food material. Same can be used in salads. Some as beverages whereas some add flavors to food material.
(2 Fertilizers: Red and brown algae can be used as fertilizers. They have the capacity to fix atmospheric nitrogen and enrich the soil.
(3) Pioneer: Some algae like cyanophycean members act as pioneers in the colony formation. Thus, they help in reducing soil erosion.
(4) Agar-agar gel: Algae can be used in synthesis of agar-agar gel.
(5) Pisciculture: Algae absorbs carbon dioxide and provides oxygen to fishes. Thus, it helps in maintaining the quality of aquatic life.
(6) Fodder: Cattle chickens use algae as a fodder.
(7) Biological indicator: Algae are very sensitive and shows the change in environmental factors. Example: Euglena and chlorella.
(8) Alkalinity: High concentration of alkalinity in soil acts as a penguin factor in crop production. Thus, $pH$ of soil to old water must be increased to great extent.
(9) Commercial uses: Algae can be used commercially in preparation of many kinds of food products, in pharmaceuticals. It is also used in toothpaste preparation of toothpaste, jelly.

Note: For optimum growth of algae, culture ponds should be exposed to sunlight in order to allow penetration of light for optimum photosynthesis. Algaes are incredibly diverse. These organisms do not share a common ancestor and, therefore, are not interrelated.