Question

Write a note on the economic importance of algae and gymnosperms.

Answer 1

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 several species of Ephedra. Ephedrine is used in the treatment of Asthma and Bronchitis.
-Pinus produces the turpentine resin. This resin is used for the manufacturing of the sealing wax and water-proof paints.

Note: The main importance of Algae is that they fix more than half of the Carbon dioxide on Earth. Not only this but algae initiate most of the aquatic food cycles. Algae like Fucus and Laminaria are very rich sources of Iodine. Gymnosperm trees are used to make paper and fiberboards.