Algae and Their Vital Importance in Life

Abstract

The emergence of life started with biological evolution after the conditions have become appropriate for the creation of the earth and the survival of living things. The formation of sun-absorbing compounds (pigment) has led to the formation of high autotrophic plants as well as microscopic and macroscopic algae for capable of photosynthesis. Algae, which enter into both aquatic and terrestrial areas of the world with their members, are not only the producers of raw material source, but also have an important function as a major oxygen source. Algae have been used by people in every period of history. However, the first original work on the use of algae was compiled by Emperor Shen Nung in 2700 B.C. Today, most of the seaweed is used as food. 50 % of the algae are collected and cultivated for economic purposes in the world that are used in food industry, 40 % of the algae are used in pharmaceutical and cosmetic industry and 10 % algae are used in other fields. Algae contain important polysaccharides and bioactive compounds. Of these, extracts such as agar, carrageenan and alginate are among the products that have no alternatives in many industries today. Approximately 45 % of algae are produced or collected to obtain alginate, carrageen, agar and other phicocolloids.

Keywords: Algae, bioactive compounds, life, food and pharmaceutical industry.

DOI: 10.7176/JSTR/5-9-13