Concept in Definition ABC

Algae are a group of organisms eukaryotes that form a very diverse group of species. They differ from protozoa in two fundamental ways:

1) algae have chloroplasts and therefore carry out the photosynthesis Y

2) unlike protozoa, algae have a wall mobile, similar to plant cells.

There are several types of algae: unicellular, colonial, or multicellular. These organisms live in aquatic environments, where they form the base of the food chain. Thanks to its photosynthetic capacity, a significant percentage of the oxygen we breathe comes from metabolism of algae. On the other hand, large amounts of CO2 are fixed by them. Regarding its morphology, it is necessary to highlight the presence of flagella, structures that allow the movement of algae. Although these organisms are similar to plants, there are morphological and physiological differences (for example, in algae the exchange of nutrients occurs through the membrane).

Algae and food

In recent years these organisms have begun to be used in the diet, since some of them are edible. This custom comes from Asian cuisine and is based on its high content of minerals and

protein. Remember that some seaweed contains twice as much iron as lentils or ten times more calcium than milk. Seaweed does not have saturated fat, it helps purify toxins from our body and it is high in fiber. They have a high content of vitamin A and are beneficial to combat hypertension. For all this, some nutritionists argue that the consumption of algae on a regular basis could serve as a supplement to our diet.

Algae banks and some of their applications

The algae banks already exist. They are marine biotechnology centers in which microalgae are isolated and classified. It would be the equivalent of a Bank of seeds. The purpose of these banks is to promote the bioindustrial sector in the production of biomass from algae. In this sense, algae banks can provide the raw material for the investigation medical or pharmaceutical industry. It should be borne in mind that algae have therapeutic properties that have been known since ancient times, especially in oriental medicine. Currently a new discipline, algotherapy.

Another sector related to these entities is cosmetics (they are used to manufacture deodorants, sun creams, ointments, gels, lotions and foams).

Photo: iStock - Searsie

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