Brown Algae/Kelp
Roxanne Estrada
Brown Algae
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The Phaeophyceae or brown
algae, is a large group of mostly
marine multicellular algae
They play an important role in
marine environments both as food,
and for the habitats they form.
Especially common along
temperate coasts, where water is
cool
Characteristic brown/olive color
due to accessory pigments in the
chloroplasts
Kelp
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Kelp are large seaweeds (algae)
belonging to the brown algae
group
The kelp life cycle involves a
diploid sporophyte and haploid
gametophyte stage. The haploid
phase begins when the mature
organism releases many spores,
which then germinate to become
male or female gametophytes.
Sexual reproduction then results
in the beginning of the diploid
sporophyte stage which will
develop into a mature individual.
Brown Algae/Kelp Structure
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The thallus (or body) consists of
flat or leaf-like structures known as
blades. Blades originate from
elongated stem-like structures, the
stipes. The holdfast, a root-like
structure, anchors the kelp to the
substrate of the ocean. Gas-filled
bladders (pneumatocysts) form at
the base of blades of some species
and keep the kelp blades close to
the surface, holding up the blades
by the gas they contain.
Structure
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Most of these species are
benthic, which means
that they grow attached
to the bottom or some
other substrate. These
plants are the dominant
seaweeds of relatively
shallow-water habitats.
Brown Algae/Kelp Products
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Kelp extracts provide most of the micronutrients needed
by plants and soil. These minerals, present in seaweed,
improve plant health, yield, shelf life and flavor, as well
as resistance to stress, disease, and pest attacks.
Bongo kelp ash is rich in iodine and alkali. In great
amount, kelp ash can be used in soap and glass
production.
Alginate, a kelp-derived carbohydrate, is used to thicken
products such as ice cream, jelly, salad dressing, and
toothpaste, as well as an ingredient in exotic dog food
and in manufactured goods. The gel forming substances
in their cell walls (algin) are extracted in commercial
operations
More Products
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Several Pacific species of
kelp, is a very important
ingredient in Japanese cuisine.
And is used to flavor broths
and stews as a savory garnish
for rice and other dishes, as a
vegetable, and a primary
ingredient in popular snacks
such as Japanese Kombu
Transparent sheets of kelp are
used as an edible decorative
wrapping for rice and other
foods
Youtube  and Questions & Answers
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http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y
9eyK6C9nDA
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n
aYu4m3b6cw&feature=related
1. Thallus, blades, holdfast, and gasWhat are the four main
bladder (pneumatocysts)
structures of brown
2. Characteristic brown/olive color
algae/kelp?
due to accessory pigments in the
Why do brown algae have the
chloroplasts
coloration they do?
3. Ex: Bongo kelp ash used for glass,
Name three products of
alginate as a thickener, edible
brown algae/kelp.
decorative wrapping, kelp extracts
What is the term for species
that grow attached to the
for micronutrients - fertilizer
bottom of a water source or
4. Benthic
some other substrate?
5. Alginate
What is extracted from brown
6. Pneumatocysts allow kelp to be closer
algae to be used as a
to light source (a kind of
thickener?
phototaxis/phototropism) so the
Why is kelp able to grow such
lengths?
plant can grow to great heights and
is not limited to ocean floor.