Economic Importance of Algae:
• Almost 50% of carbon fixation on earth is carried out by algae. Thus, they are among the large producers on the earth; especially in aquatic habitat. About 70 species of marine algae are used as food, e.g. Porpyra, Laminaria and Sargassum.
• Some marine brown and red algae produce large amounts of hydrocolloids. Hydrocolloids are water holding substances and are used commercially.
• Agar; which is obtained from Gelidium and Gracilaria is used as culture medium in laboratories. It is also used in making ice-cream and jelly.
• Chlorella and Spirullaina are used as food supplements; even during space travel.
Economic Importance of Gymnosperms:
• They are widely used as ornamental plants.
• Fibres from conifer are used as paper pulp.
• Conifers are widely used in reforestation projects.
• Turpentine and rosin are made from conifer resin.
• Commercially useful oils are produced from many conifers, e.g. juniper, pine, fir, etc.
