15 Questions
What is the characteristic of algae cell walls that is shared with other plant cells?
Contain cellulose
What is the primary role of algae in aquatic ecosystems?
Producing oxygen and serving as a food source
Which type of algae is commonly used in sushi?
Red Algae
What is a unique feature of Diatoms?
Their cell walls are made of silica
What is one of the industrial uses of algae?
Sources of biofuels
What is the full form of EFB in biotechnology?
European Federation of Biotechnology Engineering
Which two techniques enabled the birth of modern biotechnology?
Genetic Engineering and Bioprocess Engineering
What is the specific DNA sequence responsible for initiating replication?
Ori
What is an autonomously replicating circular extra-chromosomal DNA?
Plasmid
Who are the scientists credited with the discovery of plasmids?
Stanley N. Cohen and Herbert W. Boyer
What is the first recombinant DNA formed by?
Boyer working on E. coli bacteria
What are restriction endonucleases also known as?
Molecular scissors
What is the enzyme responsible for linking antibiotic resistance genes with plasmid vectors?
Ligase
What are the three basic steps in genetically modifying an organism?
Introduction, identification, and maintenance of introduced DNA
What was the function of the two enzymes isolated in 1963?
Restricting the growth of bacteriophage in E. coli DNA
Study Notes
Algae
Definition
- Algae are simple, aquatic, photosynthetic organisms that belong to the plant kingdom.
- They are eukaryotic, meaning their cells have a true nucleus.
Characteristics
- Algae are primarily aquatic, found in fresh, brackish, or saltwater environments.
- They can be unicellular or multicellular.
- They have cell walls containing cellulose, a characteristic shared with other plant cells.
- Algae have chloroplasts, which contain the pigment chlorophyll, responsible for photosynthesis.
Types of Algae
- Green Algae (Chlorophyta): most diverse group, includes seaweeds like spirulina and chlorella.
- Red Algae (Rhodophyta): includes dulse and nori, commonly used in sushi.
- Brown Algae (Phaeophyta): includes kelp and seaweed.
- Yellow-Green Algae (Xanthophyta): small group, includes species like vaucheria.
- Diatoms (Bacillariophyta): unique, glass-like cell walls made of silica.
Ecological Importance
- Algae are primary producers, providing oxygen and serving as a food source for aquatic animals.
- They contribute to aquatic ecosystems, influencing water quality and supporting marine biodiversity.
Economic Importance
- Algae are used as:
- Food sources (e.g., spirulina, nori).
- Fertilizers and animal feed.
- Thickeners and stabilizers in food products.
- Sources of biofuels and other industrial products.
Learn about the characteristics, types, and ecological and economic importance of algae, including their role in aquatic ecosystems and human uses. Discover the different types of algae, from green to red, brown, and yellow-green, and how they contribute to our environment and economy.
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