Talking about plants is very much, there are even microorganisms that resemble plants. One of the microorganisms that are similar to plants is algae or also known as algae. Therefore, algae are included in the type of kingdom protists and can produce their own food.
The way to get food is done by photosynthesis, so it really needs sunlight. Algae can grow in seawater or fresh water where it will stick to a place, such as a rock. However, there are also those that grow in water without sticking.
Definition of Algae
Algae is a plant that is often referred to as a thallus plant. This is because algae do not yet have leaves, stems, and roots, so to survive they usually ride in one place. In addition, algae are also included in single-celled plants. However, there are also algae that look like threads and have a large number of cells.
In their movement, some algae can move actively and some can move inactively. This type of algae can move actively because it has a tool that functions to move. The tools are shaped like whip feathers (flagel). There are two forms of thalli from algae, namely multicellular and unicellular.
Not only that, algae also have some color pigments, phycocyanin, chlorophyll, phycoxanthin, phycoerythrin, xanthophyll. Phycocyanin is a blue pigment, chlorophyll is a green pigment, phycocyanin is a brown pigment, phycoerythrin is a red pigment, and xanthophyll is a yellow pigment.
Algae Characteristics
So that you can get to know algae much more deeply, then you can see the characteristics of algae plants as follows.
Has chlorophyll which functions to produce food during photosynthesis.
Can move actively and can also be inactive.
Reproduction can be done sexually or asexually.
Are photoautotrophs or can carry out photosynthesis
It belongs to the group of eukaryotic organisms.
Benefits of Algae
Talking about algae, you can say that it has many benefits, one of the benefits of algae that we can feel and see is in the cosmetic field. Not only that, algae are also used in the textile industry. Some of the other benefits of algae will be described below.
As a Thickener
The first benefit of algae is as a thickening agent and is commonly used in the manufacture of paper coatings, toothpaste, textiles, shampoos, and glues. Chondrus sp is a type of algae commonly used in the manufacture of glue.
Meanwhile, Chondrus Crispus and Gigortina Mamilosa are types of algae that are usually used to produce carrageenan which is usually found in the manufacture of creams, shampoos, and tanners.
As Fuel
The second benefit of algae is as fuel, algae that can be used as fuel such as Chrysophyta and Chlorophyta. Can be used as fuel because it contains fuel-forming compounds. The content is in the form of lipids in the microalgae of approximately 20 percent. Usually this type of algae is easy to find in the sea.
As Drug Ingredients
Algae can also be used in the health sector, usually used as raw material to make a drug. One type of algae that has medicinal properties is Chlorella, which is known to contain chlorophyll of about 2-3 percent by weight, then 55-60 percent of protein, vitamin E, vitamin C, potassium, calcium, and magnesium.
As Livestock Feed
The fifth benefit of algae is as livestock material. This is because algae contain a lot of potassium. Algae with the type of Gracilaria sp are usually used to provide feed for abalone shells.
Thus a discussion of algae plants and their characteristics and benefits.