Question

I want full explanation about algae

Answer 1

A simple nonflowering plant of a large group that includes the seaweeds and many single-celled forms. Algae contain chlorophyll but lack true stems, roots, leaves, and vascular tissue.

Answer 2

Algae are simple plant-like organisms that have cell wall and chlorophyll within the cells. They make their own food by Photosynthesis. They have no roots, stems or leaves. Algae are Autotrophic and live in water and at moist places. Some algae are found in snow and some in hot springs.

Algae can be unicellular or multicellular. Their size ranges from 1 micron to several metres in length.

On the basis of the pigments present, algae can be classified as follows :

Green Algae :

chlamydomonas, Spirogyra, Volvox, Ulothrix.

Blue-green algae :

Oscillatoria, Anabaena, blue-green algae are single celled, colonial autotrophs. They have a primitive cell structure. Some algae can be used as Fertiliser because they can fix atmospheric nitrogen to usable compunds. This is helpful in crop growth and the capacity of soil to hold water improves.

Diatoms :

Diatoms are marine algae which float in water due to the presence of light storage fats along with silica.

Uses of Algae

1. In Medicine : Antibiotics are prepared from some algae like chlorellin.
2. In Industry : Different Commercial products are obtained from algae like agar, Sodium, pottasium and iodine.
3. As Food : Algae are rich in nutrients so eaten as salads and soups.
4. In Agriculture : Some algae specially blue-green algae help in nitrogen fixation. Some sea weeds are used as fertilisers.
5. In Space : In recent years, algae is used as source of oxygen in spaceships and as food.

Harmful Algae

1. Toxic : Some algae produce toxic Substances which affect the fishes in water.
2. Parasitic : Some algae are parasite and can even cause serious diseases.
3. Water pollution : Some algae grow in water and their multiplication can change the odour and taste of water.