lecture 17 (technological applications of algae) Flashcards
what is the genus of unicellular algae that has been extensively used as a research tool in cell biology studies?
chlamydomonas
why are algae so effective as bioassay organisms? and how are they used?
sensitive to some pollutants (eg. detergents, herbicides, dyes)
used to monitor nutrients and toxic status of natural waters, qualities of drinking water
(based on premise that cell yield is proportional to the amount of a nutrient or toxin in water samples)
what algae revealed the existence of mRNA
Acetabularia
what are algae culture collections
the inventory of available strains of algae in culture. important for replication of scientific research, industrial use etc.
what is used to develop therapies for blindness?
green alga Chlamydomonas light receptors
what is being used in immunological studies and cancer treatment
red algae fluorescent phycobiliproteins
how are algae being used in nanotechnologies?
diatom frustules -> constructing nanoscale structures as sensors for gas
cyanobacteria -> electrically conductive nanowires to deliver electrons
what is a palaeoecological indicator
use of accumulation of decay-resistant remains of algae in lakes/oceans sediments to deduce past environmental conditions and climate shifts or other ecological disturbances from humans
give examples of algae or parts of algae that can remain in lake/ocean sediments for millions of years and be used for paleoecology
dinoflagellate cysts, calcium carbonate coccoliths, diatom resting stages, silica frustules, silicified chrysophycean stomatocysts and scales
name three compounds present in algae that can be extracted and used as nutritional supplements
fatty acids, beta carotenes, proteins
how is algae used in aquaculture?
non-toxic algae are the primary food source for most cultivated marine animals (eg. mollusks) since a source of essential fatty acids, proteins etc.
what is the genus of algae most commonly used in sushi rolls
pyropia/porphyra
name the gelling compounds present in algae that can be extracted from different algae
alginates (from brown macroalgae), and carageenan, agar and agarose from red algae
what type of algal culturing system is normally used when the objective is extraction of pharmaceuticals?
large-scale bioreactors
what are the major ways which biofuels can be produced from algae?
fermentation of biomass to bioethanol (brown and green algae)
extraction of lipids from diatoms
hydrogen generation systems (not yet matured to point of application)
what biofuels are currently under a larger scale commercial development?
fermentation and lipid extraction
what algal methods are used to remove nutrients from wastewaters?
artificial streams with turf composed primarily of larger, attached filamentous algae “turf scrubbers” (cladophora, spirogyra, oscillatoria)
ponds with suspended microalgae (such as greens scenedesmus and micractinium)
what type of algae (name of group) would be most likely candidate for terraforming of mars and why
why do we make pharmaceuticals from algae?
they produce antibiotic, antifungal, antiviral and anti-cancer compounds
