Question

(a) Brown algae contain chlorophyll a, chlorophyll c, `beta`-and `prop`-carbotenes, xanthophylls and fucoxanthin pigments in the chromatophores. Still, these algae look brown in colour. Why ?
(b) Give one example each of species of brown algae which are used as (i) food by man (ii) fodder for the sheep and goat (iii) as emulsifier in icecream etc.

Answer 1

(a) Brown also contain large amount of brown coloured xanthophyll-fucoxanthin which masks the green colour of chlorophylls and that is why these algae appear brown in colour.
(b) (i) Food - e.g., Lminaria saccharina.
(ii) Fodder - e.g., Sargassum.
(iii) Emulsifier - e.g., Laminaria.