Write a note on economic importance of algae and gymnosperms

Economic Importance of Algae In our ecosystem, algae present a vast range of eukaryotic marine organisms, all of these organisms which come under the eukaryotic marine organisms engage in the process of photosynthesis. Algaes can range in numerous sizes, for example, they can vary from unicellular microalgae to giant kelp. However, these aquatic plants are characterised and separated by some physical properties like lack of flowers, formal roots, leaves, or even stems. The term ‘algae’ refers to numerous different organisms which are capable of processing photosynthesis to produce oxygen. The algae belong to the Protista kingdom and are found in a variety of forms and sizes. They are seen to exist as single, microscopic cells; also they can exist as macroscopic and multicellular; they usually live in colonies, or to camouflage themselves they take on a leafy appearance as in the case of seaweeds such as giant kelp. In various ways, there is a huge economic importance of algae. The first example is that we can use the natural substance from algae as a good source of food, fodder, in fish farming, and also used as a fertiliser. Algae also plays a key role in the process of alkaline reclaiming which can be used as an agent known for soil binding, and it is also used in a variety of commercial products. The alages are also determined and differentiated by their pigment. Most of the alages are often found in aquatic bodies such as in marine or freshwater but only a few and limi...

Economic Importance of Algae: • Almost 50% of carbon fixation on earth is carried out by algae. Thus, they are among the large producers on the earth; especially in aquatic habitat. About 70 species of marine algae are used as food, e.g. Porpyra, Laminaria and Sargassum. • Some marine brown and red algae produce large amounts of hydrocolloids. Hydrocolloids are water holding substances and are used commercially. • Agar; which is obtained from Gelidium and Gracilaria is used as culture medium in laboratories. It is also used in making ice-cream and jelly. • Chlorella and Spirullaina are used as food supplements; even during space travel. Economic Importance of Gymnosperms: • They are widely used as ornamental plants. • Fibres from conifer are used as paper pulp. • Conifers are widely used in reforestation projects. • Turpentine and rosin are made from conifer resin. • Commercially useful oils are produced from many conifers, e.g. juniper, pine, fir, etc.

Answer Economic importance of algae Algae have diverse economic uses. They perform half of the total carbon dioxide-fixation on earth by photosynthesis, acting as the primary producers in aquatic habitats. (a) Food source: Many species of marine algae such as Porphyra, Sargassum, and Laminaria are edible. Chlorella and Spirulinaare rich in proteins. Thus, they are used as food supplements. (b) Commercial importance: Agar is used in the preparation of jellies and ice-cream. It is obtained from Gelidium andGracilaria. Carrageenin is used as an emulsifier in chocolates, paints, and toothpastes. It is obtained from the red algae. (c) Medicines: Many red algae such as Corallina are used in treating worm infections. Economic importance of gymnosperms (a) Construction purposes: Many conifers such as pine, cedar, etc., are sources of the soft wood used in construction and packing. (b) Medicinal uses: An anticancer drug Taxol is obtained from Taxus. Many species of Ephedra produce ephedrine, which can be used in the treatment of asthma and bronchitis. (c) Food source: The seeds of Pinus gerardiana (known as chilgoza) are edible. (d) Source of resins: Resins are used commercially for manufacturing sealing waxes and water-proof paints. A type of resin known as turpentine is obtained from various species of Pinus. Recently Viewed Questions of Class 11 Biology • Q:- • Q:- Distinguish between (a) IRV and ERV (b) Inspiratory capacity and Expiratory capacity (c) Vital capacity and Total l...

Hint: Algae and gymnosperms are used for several commercial purposes. Both of these are used as a food source. In addition, algae are used as an emulsifier in several products and other things whereas gymnosperms are used as a primary source of wood for construction purposes and other activities. Step by step answer:The economic importance of algae is as follows – -Many algae are used as an important source of food. Some species of marine algae-like Porphyria, Laminaria, and Sargassum are edible. Algae like Spirulina and Chlorella have a very high content of protein in them, due to which they are widely used as food supplements by astronauts. -Algae like Gelidium and Gracilaria are used to produce a substance known as Agar. This Agar is very important in the manufacturing of ice-creams and jellies. -A Red Algae is used to produce Carrageenan. This is a commercially important emulsifier. It is used as an emulsifying agent in paints, chocolates, and toothpaste. -Algae like Corallina which belongs to the class Rhodophyceae has medicinal use in treating worms. The economic importance of gymnosperms is as follows – -Many members of gymnosperms like coniferous trees, such as pine, deodar, etc., are used in the purposes of construction. -The seeds of the tree Pinus gerardiana which is popularly known as chilgoza are a popular eatery. -A lot of gymnosperm plants have medicinal values. Taxus tree produces Taxol, which is used as an anticancerous agent. Ephedrine is obtained from se...