Among plants, a special place is occupied by algae that grow in rivers, oceans, lakes and seas. They are considered lower plants, however, their significance for humans is not yet fully understood. After all, if it were possible to implement some promising projects to grow certain types of algae on the bottom of the oceans and seas, then the problem of shortage of food and organic fuel would simply disappear. Therefore, algae should be treated as a promising source of human well-being.

Among these plants there are species colored green, brown, blue-green, red, and golden. From an educational point of view, perhaps the most interesting are the most long algae , since they are the most effective, however, from the point of view of practical application, most often it is nondescript-looking plants that most effectively solve the problems assigned to their appearance.

The range of algae sizes is huge: from single-celled to the longest and largest. An example of a single-celled algae is caulerpa, which reaches half a meter in size. However, the plant is one giant cell.

In this regard, I would like to draw attention to the longest algae growing in the ocean. Its length, according to approximate calculations, is 100 meters. This is a giant Pacific algae, which, in addition, is also the fastest growing - 45 cm/day.

Off the coast of the USA, located on the side Pacific Ocean, brown algae grows, which with even greater right can be called “the longest.” Its name is Macrjcystis pyrifera, and it reaches a length of 200 meters.

Finally, a review of the longest algae will be incomplete without mentioning the largest algae, Makrycystis, which, with a length of 60 meters, reaches a mass of 150 kg. These algae are usually found in the seas temperate latitudes. They are already a source of alginic acids and artificial fiber.

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At the beginning of the 20th century, people often brought seeds of “incredibly beautiful” plants from abroad, planting them in their gardens. Unfortunately, they had neither the slightest idea about what they are doing. Often, the new arrivals had all the cards in hand to begin the successful conquest of the new world. The absence of natural enemies often played the most important role. Below we offer you a list of the six most successful plant conquerors of new territories.

6. Mikonia

Mikania is a small tree native to tropical forests, most commonly known as the "purple plague of Hawaii". In the 1960s, this plant was introduced to Hawaii and Tahiti as decorative look. It was a small tree with large dark green leaves decorated with purple veins. The tree bloomed with beautiful white and pink flowers, which then ripened into dark purple and black berries. But once in Tahiti, this tree grew up to 15 meters in height, becoming a real aggressor for other plants.

Extensive root systems caused landslides, and the continuous shade created by the dense canopy prevented the growth of native plant species. It only took a few trees to make it impossible for native flora to grow. Each tree produced thousands of fruits each year, which contained a huge variety of seeds. The Tahitian authorities had to take drastic measures and cut down overgrown trees to protect the native vegetation.

5. Kudzu


This amazing plant has become a real problem for countries such as Vanuatu, Fiji, Australia, New Zealand, Italy, Canada and the USA. This vine is native to Japan and Southeast China. In 1876, kudzu was introduced to the United States as an ornamental plant, which attracted the attention of tourists due to its fragrant flowers, strong vines and large leaves. Along with its beauty and rapid growth, the plant had beneficial medicinal properties, made strong baskets, and the roots served as raw materials for food and drink. The incredibly strong roots of this plant also helped in the fight against landslides. Unfortunately, even a number of these significant benefits could not outweigh the damage this plant caused to native vegetation. In a short period of time, this vine replaced almost all species in Georgia, and its range expanded to north coast Lake Erie.

4. Caulerpa


This type of algae is much more similar to terrestrial species than to its counterparts. Caulerpa is a long column from which elongated leaves grow, vaguely reminiscent of pine needles. And although the leaves of this algae are similar in structure to other algae, this plant not only displaces all other species from its territory, but also does not enrich the water with nutrients (unlike other algae). Plus, caulerpa is absolutely useless for the outside world due to its inedibility - the leaves of this algae contain a special toxin. In 1980, German scientists decided to experiment and derived the new kind this algae, which turned out to be even more resilient than its ancestor. This type of algae was released into the Mediterranean Sea. The “algae killer,” as it was dubbed, grew over an area of ​​30 square kilometers in less than 4 years. The only advantage that scientists were able to find was that the algae reduced the percentage of water pollution. Fortunately, French researchers soon discovered small aquatic slugs that were able to feed on these algae, and the problem was solved.

3. Carpobrotus edible (Hottentot rice)


This is a creeping plant, introduced as an ornamental flower and a protector against soil erosion to the Mediterranean countries, Australia, California, New Zealand and Ireland. This plant prefers dry, rocky slopes, similar to its native Namaqualand in South Africa. Its fruits are edible and are eaten by the common black rat, through whose feces the plant spreads further. The flower creates an impenetrable blanket on the soil, interfering with other vegetation.

2. Bonfire (plant)


Introduced to the United States as livestock feed, the fire soon completely filled the fields. This plant practically survives other species from its territory, while at the same time deteriorating the quality of the soil. Bonfire is a plant with a smooth stem covered with narrow and long leaves 1 centimeter wide.


The plant can reach a height of 1 meter. The main harm from this plant is that very often it becomes the cause of fires.

1. Giant hogweed


This plant is one of the most dangerous invasive species. For Canada, hogweed has become a real punishment. In sunlight, a toxin is formed in the juice of this plant, which causes severe burns upon contact with the skin. If it gets into your eyes, you are guaranteed temporary blindness.


Initially, the flower was brought for decorative purposes. Reaching 3-5 meters in length, this perennial plant has spread with incredible speed throughout Europe, the USA and Canada.

What do we know about algae? Slippery, unpleasant to the touch and completely unattractive appearance- this is approximately how the average person can describe these sea and river inhabitants. Meanwhile, it is algae that have one of the most important roles on the global scale of the universe. And all thanks to the ability to absorb carbon dioxide and convert it into oxygen, allowing not only underwater, but also terrestrial fauna to breathe.

Interestingly, algae do not have roots and are attached to the bottom or other dense surfaces with their stems. Conventionally, they can be divided into two types: deep and planktonic. The former live, most often, in deep ocean waters, often forming entire underwater forests. The latter serve as food for numerous marine organisms, fish and animals, acting as a kind of “dining room”. Man has also found wide use for algae, skillfully adapting them to almost all areas of his life.

Food, I love you

Everyone has heard about seaweed, and some even actively introduce it into their diet. And we need to take an example from them - no joke at all! This brown algae contains an incredible amount of useful substances. First of all, these are iodine and calcium, which are necessary to maintain normal metabolism and ensure the functioning of the endocrine system.

Among lovers of dietary supplements, spirulina, which has an extensive biochemical composition, is very popular. It is one of the unique cyanobacteria that lived on earth millions of years ago and has survived in its original form to this day. In terms of carotene content, spirulina is 10 times higher than carrots, and in terms of the amount of vitamin PP, even meat cannot compete with it. Regular intake of this magical blue-green “drug” helps to put in order not only the nervous and cardiovascular system, but also has a beneficial effect on the human body as a whole.

Residents of the island of Okinawa (Japan) are distinguished by excellent health and longevity. Many scientists have tried and are still trying to understand the secret of this phenomenon, and most of them agree in one opinion - the mozuki algae, which grows in local waters and is actively consumed as food, is “to blame” for everything. As it turned out, it contains a lot of fucoidan, a substance with immunomodulatory, anti-inflammatory, and antibacterial properties.

Japanese cuisine is generally very favorable towards different types algae, adding them not only to main dishes and sushi, but even baked goods and desserts. Surprisingly, there is also real seaweed flour used for baking bread, puddings, cakes and other confectionery products. Specialty cafes are opening across the country, serving food made exclusively from seaweed and others like her.

The road to space

The honor of being ordained as an astronaut fell to Chlorella, a single-celled algae capable of producing oxygen in such quantities that no other terrestrial plant can keep up with it. Despite its microscopic size, chlorella has an impressive protein content in the dry mass - more than 50 percent.

The composition also contains a rich selection of amino acids and vitamins necessary for normal human life. This means that it can be used not only as an oxygen producer, but also as food. Moreover, it requires minimal space for its maintenance. The high reproduction rate and short vegetation cycle make this alga simply irreplaceable in modern astronautics.

Cosmetology and agriculture - what do they have in common?

The cosmetics industry exploits algae with particular enthusiasm. Based on them, it is produced a large number of all kinds of creams, serums, emulsions, tonics and other products that help the skin look radiant and well-groomed. In beauty salons you can often find procedures based on algae. Among the most popular are masks and wraps used to treat cellulite, stretch marks and even skin dermatitis.

Farmers are not inferior in their love for seafood. IN developed countries algae have long been used to make organic fertilizers. As practice shows, you can achieve a good harvest without chemicals if you approach the matter wisely. After spraying seedlings of tomatoes, eggplants, peppers, potatoes and other vegetable crops with a special composition of brown algae, the harvest will be much richer and of better quality. Livestock breeders are also joining the ranks of eco-fans. It has already been proven that chickens, geese, ducks, cows, pigs and other animals become more productive and healthier when various algae supplements are introduced into their diet.

This is also interesting

No organism on earth has such vitality and ability to adapt to different climatic and temperature conditions like algae. Their “trace” can be found not only in the seas and oceans, but also in the glaciers of Antarctica and the hot geysers of Kamchatka. By the way, in the thermal springs at Far East As many as 2 species of algae were discovered that thrive and reproduce at temperatures of 75-80 °C.

Here are some more amazing and educational facts about algae:

• In terms of their composition of macro- and microelements, algae are very similar to human blood
• Some algae have luminescent properties and during the flowering period they create the illusion of illumination on the water. You can admire this natural wonder off the southern coast of California, where several times a year the waves turn neon blue.
• IN Ancient China algae have been used to treat and prevent cancer. Currently, research is also being conducted on their use in the treatment of cancer.
• Laminaria is considered the longest algae in the world. Its length often reaches 60 meters. The miracle product is mined mainly in the Sea of ​​Okhotsk and the Sea of ​​Japan, as well as in the waters of the Arctic Ocean. At a depth of 4-6 meters, kelp forms a real underwater jungle.
• The concept of “watermelon snow” is well known to climbers who conquer mountain peaks South America, Greenland and the Arctic. The first mentions of this phenomenon are found in the writings of Aristotle, and only in the second half of the 19th century was it possible to solve this riddle. The pinkish tint and slightly watermelon taste of the snow give it a special type of algae, which has received the logical name - snow.
• Lichens are nothing more than a symbiosis of algae and fungi.
• Some types of algae are poisonous to fish and marine animals. In order not to be eaten, they produce a special poison substance that saves them from the insatiable appetite of underwater inhabitants.

So, it would seem, nondescript and primitive single cell organism may ultimately turn out to be very useful and interesting not only from a scientific point of view, but also applicable in the lives of ordinary people.

100 great records of wildlife Nepomnyashchiy Nikolai Nikolaevich

THE SIMPLE PLANTS - ALGAE

Algae are a group of lower aquatic plants that usually contain chlorophyll and produce organic matter during the process of photosynthesis. The body of algae (thallus, thallus) does not have true roots, stems or leaves. Their sizes range from various types from fractions of a micrometer to tens of meters. These are acellular, unicellular, multicellular, colonial, free-swimming and attached organisms. Their reproduction is asexual, vegetative and sexual. Divisions (or types) of algae: green, brown, red, golden, yellow-green, diatoms and others. There are about 30 thousand species in total.

Algae are the main producers of organic matter in fresh water bodies and seas. They are part of plankton and benthos. Some are edible (for example, porphyry kelp), others have become raw materials for the production of feed mass, agar-agar, carrageenan, iodine and others (many of them are objects of aquaculture). A number of algae (chlorella and others) are tested as components of biocomplexes included in the life support system of spacecraft. Some unicellular algae form lichens in symbiosis with fungi.

"SINGLE-CELL" ENGINE

Biologists conducted an experiment where microorganisms acted as a vehicle. The single-celled alga Chlamydomonas reinhardtii was forced to tow a microscopic bead over a distance of about 20 cm, Science News reports.

It is known that many single-celled organisms are sensitive to light. A future load was placed near its source, which, when the algae approached, “stuck” to it using special molecules attached to the surface. The “loaded” cell was then prompted to move in a new direction, and finally it was irradiated with an ultraviolet flash to separate the bead.

According to scientists, such a scheme should be of interest to both doctors and nanoengineers. The problem that both face is the transport of small particles inside the body or miniature devices. One solution has been proposed as “molecular motors” - devices reminiscent of those used by living beings.

THE WORLD'S LARGEST ALGAE DISCOVERED

Near the Balearic Islands at the bottom Mediterranean Sea The world's largest plant has been found. The stems of the record-breaking algae extend for about eight kilometers.

The discovery was made by an international scientific team from the Spanish University of Mediterranean Research, studying marine flora in the region. We are talking about the aquatic plant Posidonia oceanica.

As experts have established, the age of this specimen of Posidonia reaches approximately 100 thousand years, and it is part of a huge colony of these plants, whose area is about 700 square meters. km.

IN Lately colonies of Posidonia, which is considered one of the most ancient plants on the planet and is an integral part of the local ecosystem, began to decline due to the deteriorating environmental situation.

UNprecedented harvests

Serious attempts have been made repeatedly, especially in Japan and the United States, to produce organic material on a large scale under artificial conditions where the process of photosynthesis can be optimized. Research was carried out with single-celled seaweeds - chlorella and scenedesmus. When grown in a CO 2 atmosphere and the necessary nutrient medium, the algae, about 10 microns in size, is divided into two (sometimes four) every 12 hours. The process proceeds in geometric progression, and from one cell in a month about 10 billion organisms are obtained. Photosynthesis in these organisms continues for some time in the dark due to the energy stored during the “light” period. Then the energy consumed for lighting per unit mass of algae can be reduced by mixing the water so that the algae move from the illuminated surface to the depth and vice versa.

Wastewater from domestic sewers can serve as an excellent nutrient medium. In addition to all the substances listed, wastewater also contains bacteria, and their coexistence with algae is beneficial for both. Bacteria that promote algae growth belong to the group of aerobic bacteria, i.e., they consume oxygen. They convert organic substances contained in wastewater into carbon dioxide, nitrites, phosphates, etc.

Continuous cultivation of algae using wastewater solves several problems at once:

Purification of polluted waters;

Obtaining algae biomass for energy;

Obtaining artificial food from algae (in terms of the relative content of proteins, fats and vitamins, algae are superior to almost all other plants).

However, it is necessary to isolate them from a rather weak suspension, which requires energy. Using giant brown algae that grows in coastal waters temperate zone, eliminates this problem, and energy will only have to be spent on harvesting and transporting the “harvest” to places of consumption.

Under conditions of artificial cultivation on submerged platforms, the harvest volume can range from 70 to 120 kg/m2 of raw algae per year, depending on the content nutrients in water and other conditions.

A MATTER OF TASTE

Kombu (Haiday)

In Asian, especially Korean and Japanese, cuisine, several types of seaweed are used. Most widespread obtained brown algae, which in Japan is called “kombu”. In the West they are sold dried. Kombu is rich in vitamins and minerals, especially iodine. They have a strong "sea" smell and a crunchy texture.

In China, soups are cooked with kombu, and in Japan they are boiled and stewed as vegetables, and are also used to flavor fish broth - dashi.

There is a light coating on the surface of kombu, which gives the algae its aroma. Therefore, there is no need to wash the seaweed; just wipe it with a damp cloth and then cut it into pieces. Before use, they are soaked for 45–50 minutes in cold water. Both the algae themselves and the water in which they were soaked are used.

Kombu can be stored for a long time in a cool, dry, dark place.

Nori

This thin dried seaweed is most often used to wrap sushi. The color of nori sheets varies from dark green to black; in some places they are transparent. To prepare sushi, nori sheets are lightly toasted on one side. If you use crumbled nori sheets as a garnish, they need to be fried until crisp. They sell fried sheets called yaki nori with salt, sesame oil, soy sauce etc. This seaweed, crushed into powder, is called ai-nori.

Wakame

Young, dark-leafed wakame seaweed has a delicate flavor and a soft yet crunchy texture. They are sold cut into strips, fresh (vacuum-packed) or dried and used in salads and soups. Dried wakame is soaked for 10–15 minutes in warm water until the seaweed softens and turns green.

After this, they are thrown onto a sieve, blanched in boiling water for a minute, then doused with cold water and allowed to drain. Seaweed prepared in this way is used to prepare both hot dishes and salads.

Agar-agar

This gelatinous substance is obtained from algae, which in China are called “rock flower vegetables.” It can be bought in oriental stores in the form of dried long plates or finely ground white powder. Agar-agar is an excellent gelling agent, especially popular among vegetarians who use it instead of gelatin.

Agar-agar is tasteless and odorless, but absorbs the aroma of any seasonings with which it is served.

Asian cooks sometimes use soaked agar-agar strips in salads, like any other seaweed, but more often it is used as a gelling agent, usually to make sweet jellies.

To prepare a salad with agar-agar, the plates are soaked for 20–25 minutes in warm water, and then placed on a sieve and dried. The plates are separated from each other and cut into pieces. After this, agar-agar is mixed with other salad components.

For jelly, dissolve agar-agar powder or strips in water over very low heat (about 10 minutes). Separately heat the milk with sugar and flavorings, and then mix it with the agar-agar solution. The resulting mixture is placed in the refrigerator for 3–4 hours. Typically, 300 ml of liquid is taken per teaspoon of agar-agar powder.

Agar-agar, both in plates and in powder, is stored in a cool, dry place for almost an unlimited time.

Dasi

This broth of kombu and dried bonito flakes serves as the base for most Japanese soups. It can also be used in place of water in any dish that calls for a broth with a subtle flavor. To prepare 800 ml of broth you will need 10 cm kombu, 900 ml water, 40 g bonito flakes.

The kombu is wiped with a damp cloth, cut into 3-4 strips and placed in a pan. Fill with water until it covers the algae.

After an hour, place the pan on medium heat. Just before the water boils, remove the seaweed (they should be cut into strips and used for making soup). Add bonito flakes to the water, then remove the pan from the heat and let sit until the flakes settle to the bottom. The broth is filtered through cheesecloth.

KILLER ALGAE

In 1988, scientists noticed that some varieties of the single-celled microorganism Pfiesteria piscicida feed both animals and plants: they attack other microorganisms and at the same time extract vital energy through the process of photosynthesis, and are therefore considered algae.

Each milliliter of water can contain up to 20,000 killer algae. Under a microscope, they appear as transparent balls that float around among other single-celled organisms.

This organism was destroyed for last years There are billions of fish off the east coast of the United States. Each algae destroys hemoglobin (from seven to ten blood cells) and at the same time grows in size, not forgetting to reproduce. It can take various forms to penetrate the blood of fish, and also contains poisons that destroy the brain.

And it’s not just the fish that suffer. Fishermen who come into contact with it and enter the water become covered with ulcers and scars on their arms and legs, and also become seriously ill.

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Then welcome. We invite you to get acquainted with the longest algae.

You should know that algae is a representative of lower plants. They exist not just for beauty. They are the main food of many marine animals.

I wonder what longest algae reach a length of 200 meters. In general, about 45 thousand species of algae are known. They populate the water column to the level of penetration of sunlight.

Some algae are firmly attached to the bottom - they are called deep algae. Others, on the contrary, constantly drift along the water surface - these are planktonic algae. Their color can be different: green, brown, red or blue.

An interesting fact is that algae reproduce the most different ways: vegetative, sexual and asexual. It is curious that these unusual plants contain much more useful substances (iodine, minerals, etc.) than any other Marine life. It is for this reason that algae is often used in the food industry.

Interestingly, they are also indispensable in cosmetics. They are used to make creams and emulsions that have a powerful rejuvenating effect. In some beauty salons, the entire body is wrapped in special seaweed for expensive health treatments.

The longest algae is the giant Pacific brown algae. It is also one of the fastest growing. The growth rate reaches 45 centimeters per day. Algae are distributed throughout the globe.

The longest seaweed in the world

The longest is considered Kelp(Macrocystis pyrifera), which lives off the Pacific coast of America and has a length of 200 meters. At a depth of 2 to 40 meters, it is attached to the seabed. Formations resembling moving leaves float on the surface. Often these algae form entire floating islands.