Q66
General ScienceBiology
Agar-agar is derived from a/an
- a.Bryophytes
- b.Algae
- c.Fungi
- d.Pteridophytes
Answer: (B) Algae
Agar-agar is a jelly-like polysaccharide obtained from the cell walls of red algae (Rhodophyceae) such as Gelidium and Gracilaria. It is used as the solid culture medium for growing microbes in laboratories and as a vegetarian substitute for gelatin in food. Other algal products: carrageenan from red algae, algin and iodine from brown algae (kelps such as Laminaria), and protein-rich food supplements from Chlorella and Spirulina. The other groups give different products: bryophytes, peat (Sphagnum moss); fungi, antibiotics such as penicillin, and yeast; pteridophytes (ferns), ornamentals and biofertiliser (Azolla).