What is Microalgae?

About Microalgae:

• They are microscopic algal species, as opposed to other algae that are macroscopic.
• They are mostly unicellular, although some complex associations giving colonies with larger structures exist.
• Depending on the species, their sizes can range from a few micrometers (µm) to a few hundreds of micrometers.
• Unlike higher plants, microalgae do not have roots, stems, or leaves.
• They are mostly photosynthetic. Their ability to photosynthesize is due to the presence of photosynthetic pigments. 
• They can be found in a variety of aquatic habitats, being able to thrive in freshwater, brackish, marine, and hypersaline aquatic environments.
• Examples of unicellular algal species are green algae, diatoms, and dinoflagellates.
• Importance:
  • They play a pivotal role in ecosystems as primary producers.
  • Their adaptability and diverse taxonomy make them a crucial component of aquatic food webs, supporting various organisms and influencing nutrient cycling. 
  • They are a rich resource of lipids, proteins, carbohydrates, and pigments with nutritional and health benefits.
• Spirulina and Chlorella, two types of microalgae, are often consumed as dietary supplements.
  • Through photosynthesis, they release oxygen as a byproduct, and thus, they are a vital contributor of oxygen in the environment. 
  • They can form symbiotic relationships with other organisms. For example, they live within the tissues of corals (zooxanthellae) and provide them with nutrients through photosynthesis.
  • Some of them are also capable of fixing nitrogen. Eg: Nostoc, Anabaena, and Oscillatoria.

Q1: What is an Algae?

Algae are a diverse group of aquatic organisms that have the ability to conduct photosynthesis. Certain algae are familiar to most people; for instance, seaweeds (such as kelp or phytoplankton), pond scum or the algal blooms in lakes. However, there exists a vast and varied world of algae that are not only helpful to us, but are critical to our existence.

Source: CSIR-IICT scientists identify microalgae as a potential protein supplement