Algae in Micro Organism


 
 
Concept Explanation
 

Algae in Micro Organism

Algae: They are a group of simple plants. They have cell walls and chlorophyll within the cells. They make their own food by photosynthesis so they are autotrophic and live in water and moist places. Chlorella, Chlamydomonas, and diatoms are examples of microscopic algae.

  • 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 fertilizer as they can fix atmospheric nitrogen by usable compounds. This is helpful in crop growth and the capacity of soil to hold water improves.
  • Diatoms: Diatoms are marine algae which float on water due to the presence of light storage fats along with silica.
  • Uses of Algae:

  • In Medicine: Antibiotics are prepared from some algae like chlorellin.
  • In Industry: Different commercial products are obtained from algae like agar, sodium, potassium, iodine.
  • As Food: Algae are rich in nutrients so eaten as salads or soups.
  • In Agriculture: Some algae (Blue-green algae) help in nitrogen fixation. Some sea weeds are used as fertilizers.
  • In Space: In recent years algae is used as source of oxygen in spaceship and also as food.
  • Harmful Algae:

  • Toxic: Some algae produce toxic substances which affect the fishes in water.
  • Parasitic: Some algae are parasite and cause serious diseases.
  • Water Pollution: Some algae grow in water and their multiplication can change the odour and taste of water.
  • Algae can damage textile and other substances.
  • Sample Questions
    (More Questions for each concept available in Login)
    Question : 1

    Which of the following group of algae can be described as most primitive ?

    Right Option : A
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    Question : 2

    What are the harmful effects of algae ?

    Right Option : D
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    Question : 3

    Diatom frustule / shell is made of ____________________

    Right Option : C
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