F.Y.BSc SEMESTER I BOTANY PAPER I UNIT I RANGE OF THALLUS BY DEPARTEMENT OF BOTANY Satish Pradhan Dnyanasadhana College, Thane (W)

Range Of Thallus in Pheaophyta (Brown Algae)

Range Of Thallus in Brown Algae Brown algae show basically three types of thallus organization. Thallus Heterotrichous Ectocarpus Pseudoparenchymatous Hecatonema sargaaicola Parenchymatous Laminaria, Dictyota , Sargassum

Heterotrichous Ectocarpous

Pseudoparenchymatous

Parenchymatous Dictyota Sargassum Laminaria

Economic Importance of Brown Algae The brown algae provide food and shelter for fish and other marine animals. In different parts of world, these algae are used as food or in food preparation and as fodder. They are also good source of carbohydrates, vitamins and minerals. Few examples are as follows – Laminaria Sargassum Fucus Macrocystis

Sargassum It is a marine alga commonly known as ‘Gulf Weed’. It looks like aquatic angiosperm. The thallus is rich in proteins, fats and vitamins. It contains dietary fibre and minerals such as Iron, Calcium, Magnesium etc. Some are consumed fresh, others are cooked in coconut milk or a little vinegar or lemon juice. It is smoke-dried to preserve it.\ It contains antibacterial fatty acids, antioxidants and is mild diuretic. In Chinese medicine, it is dried, powdered and used to make tea to control phlegm. It is used as raw material for biodiesel production. Oil can be easily converted to biodiesel fuel by transesterification of triglycerides.

Sargassum

Laminaria It is a marine alga commonly known as ‘Kelp’. Lamina or blade is terminal expanded leaf- like borne terminally on stipe. The thallus is rich in proteins, fats and vitamins. It acts as good laxative and helps in digestion. Laminarin lowers the level of lipids in blood. Algin is obtained from Laminaria is used in a number of industrial processes. It has the property of thickening and gelling mixtures. Alginic acid helps to treat lead poisoning. Young stipe is edible.

Laminaria

Fucus Fucus to have the highest antioxidant activity from a range of edible seaweeds, possibly due to the presence of Fucoxanthin. Fucus species have often been reported to have a direct effect on the metabolism of the human body which shows potential for controlling weight and cellulite deposits. 

Macrocystis The demand for Macrocystis pyrifera is increasing due to the new found uses of these plants in commercially available products like these below: - in anti-aging cream. - cleansing milk, cleansing gel, and as a skin cleanser. - body polish, facial mask, and makeup remover. - shampoo and conditioner. - nutritional and dietary supplements. - seasonings and spices. - animal feed - fertilizers and soil treatments