What is Seaweed?

Seaweeds are macroscopic (large) marine algae. There are 3 primary classes of seaweeds: greens (Chlorophyta) like sea lettuce, reds (Rhodophyta) like nori and Irish moss, and browns (Phaeophyta) like kelp. What separates those classes is extra than simply their color, that's managed with the aid of using the kinds of pigments they have, however additionally how their chloroplasts (the mobileular organelle chargeable for photosynthesis) are structured, in addition to their reproduction.

 

Unlike land plants, seaweeds do now no longer have roots, stems, and leaves. This is due to the fact seaweeds do now no longer have a vascular system (xylem and phloem) that transports water and minerals around. Seaweeds are capable of get their minerals at once from the water surrounding them. However, you could have observed that seaweeds have systems that externally resemble roots, stems, and leaves. These systems are referred to as holdfasts, stipes, and blades. Some seaweeds have many blades originating from a unmarried stipe, and together they may be referred to as the frond. Many seaweeds additionally have small air bladders alongside their stipes or blades to assist them live afloat.

Not all marine macroalgae are leafy. Some filamentous seaweeds appear to be loads of strings or threads whilst others are difficult and encrusting.

Seaweeds are number one manufacturers withinside the ocean, the use of daylight to seize carbon dioxide and make sugars thru photosynthesis. Along with phytoplankton (microalgae), seaweeds shape the premise of the meals net withinside the ocean. In addition to imparting meals for marine animals, seaweeds additionally offer habitat. Their complicated shape permits many invertebrates and fish to refuge beneathneath the canopy. Seaweeds are an vital a part of the marine ecosystem.

As properly as imparting instant meals and refuge advantages to marine animals, seaweeds sell ocean fitness in different ways. Seaweeds seize carbon, supporting to lessen ocean acidification, and launch oxygen, growing the dissolved oxygen to be had for animals. Because seaweeds soak up nutrients, like nitrogen and phosphorous, excesses of that may turn out to be withinside the ocean from agricultural runoff, they assist to lessen coastal eutrophication, that's dangerous to fish and from time to time humans (e.g., pink tides). Seaweeds also can do away with different pollution from the waters, which includes organochemicals, heavy metals, or even TNT!

Despite their cappotential to absorb those pollution, seaweeds developing in smooth waters aren't best very safe, however additionally very healthful for humans, being loaded with micronutrients and antioxidants. But, we use seaweeds for a ways extra than simply ingesting them whole. We use their extracts to make many kinds of meals and cosmetics. We additionally use them to feed our meals on land. Seaweed fertilizers are generally utilized in agriculture and plenty of animal feeds comprise seaweed additives as properly. Without seaweeds, our meals deliver could appearance very different.