Question

Brown algae is characterised by the presence of

• A. fucoxanthin
• B. haematochrome
• C. Citrus-adventive embryon
• D. phycoerythrin.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is A

Brown algae, belonging to the class Phaeophyceae, is characterized by its distinctive brown color, which is primarily due to the presence of the pigment fucoxanthin. This pigment masks other pigments, such as chlorophyll a and c, giving brown algae its characteristic color.

1. Fucoxanthin: This is a carotenoid pigment found in the chloroplasts of brown algae. It absorbs light primarily in the blue-green to yellow-green part of the spectrum and is responsible for the characteristic brown color of these algae.
2. Haematochrome: This term usually refers to red pigments found in some algae, but it is not typically associated with brown algae.
3. Citrus-adventive embryony: This is a botanical term related to the development of embryos in citrus fruits, not relevant to algae.
4. Phycoerythrin: This is a red pigment found in red algae, not brown algae. It helps red algae capture light for photosynthesis in deeper waters.

Based on this explanation, it's clear that the presence of fucoxanthin is the correct answer as it characterizes brown algae. This pigment not only imparts the algae with its distinct color but also plays a crucial role in photosynthesis by enabling the algae to absorb a broad range of light wavelengths.