4SEAS

Algae are a large and diverse group of simple, typically autotrophic organisms, ranging from unicellular to multicellular forms. The largest and most complex marine forms are called seaweeds. Seaweeds look like marine plants.

Algae are important because they are the first link of food chain in the ocean so every other organism depends on algae. Moreover, some species of Algae form symbiotic relationships with other organisms. Symbiotic relationship means that two organizms are friends, take care and help each other. In these symbioses, the algae supply organic substances to the host organism providing protection to the algal cells. The host organism gets some or all of its energy from the algae.

An example of great friendship? Algae known as zooxanthellae are symbionts with corals. Famous amongst these is the dinoflagellate Symbiodinium, found in many hard corals. The presence of Algae in corals makes them so colorful. The loss of zooxanthellae from the corals is known as coral bleaching.

Algae have also many important human-related uses:

Energy source: Algae are processed to make various chemical fuels.
Fertilizer: Seaweed is used as a fertilizer.
Nutrition: Naturally growing seaweeds are an important source of food, especially in Asia. They provide many vitamins including: A, B1, B2, B6, niacin and C, and are rich in iodine, potassium, iron, magnesium and calcium.
Ingredients: Algae are also used in cosmetology thanks to their wonderful anticellulite and nutricious abilities.
Pigments: The natural pigments produced by algae can be used as an alternative to chemical dyes and coloring agents.