1. Brown Algae/Kelp Roxanne Estrada

2. Brown Algae The Phaeophyceae or brown algae, is a large group of mostly marine multicellular algae They play an important role in marine environments both as food, and for the habitats they form. Especially common along temperate coasts, where water is cool Especially common along temperate coasts, where water is cool Characteristic brown/olive color due to accessory pigments in the chloroplasts Characteristic brown/olive color due to accessory pigments in the chloroplasts

3. Kelp Kelp are large seaweeds (algae) belonging to the brown algae group The kelp life cycle involves a diploid sporophyte and haploid gametophyte stage. The haploid phase begins when the mature organism releases many spores, which then germinate to become male or female gametophytes. Sexual reproduction then results in the beginning of the diploid sporophyte stage which will develop into a mature individual.

4. Brown Algae/Kelp Structure The thallus (or body) consists of flat or leaf-like structures known as blades. Blades originate from elongated stem-like structures, the stipes. The holdfast, a root-like structure, anchors the kelp to the substrate of the ocean. Gas-filled bladders (pneumatocysts) form at the base of blades of some species and keep the kelp blades close to the surface, holding up the blades by the gas they contain.

5. Most of these species are benthic, which means that they grow attached to the bottom or some other substrate. These plants are the dominant seaweeds of relatively shallow-water habitats. Structure

6. Brown Algae/Kelp Products Kelp extracts provide most of the micronutrients needed by plants and soil. These minerals, present in seaweed, improve plant health, yield, shelf life and flavor, as well as resistance to stress, disease, and pest attacks. Bongo kelp ash is rich in iodine and alkali. In great amount, kelp ash can be used in soap and glass production. Alginate, a kelp-derived carbohydrate, is used to thicken products such as ice cream, jelly, salad dressing, and toothpaste, as well as an ingredient in exotic dog food and in manufactured goods. The gel forming substances in their cell walls (algin) are extracted in commercial operations

7. More Products Several Pacific species of kelp, is a very important ingredient in Japanese cuisine. And is used to flavor broths and stews as a savory garnish for rice and other dishes, as a vegetable, and a primary ingredient in popular snacks such as Japanese Kombu Transparent sheets of kelp are used as an edible decorative wrapping for rice and other foods

8. Youtube and Questions & Answers http://www.youtube.com/watch?v= Y9eyK6C9nDA http://www.youtube.com/watch?v= Y9eyK6C9nDA http://www.youtube.com/watch?v= Y9eyK6C9nDA http://www.youtube.com/watch?v= Y9eyK6C9nDA http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n aYu4m3b6cw&feature=related http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n aYu4m3b6cw&feature=related http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n aYu4m3b6cw&feature=related http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n aYu4m3b6cw&feature=related 1. What are the four main structures of brown algae/kelp? 2. Why do brown algae have the coloration they do? 3. Name three products of brown algae/kelp. 4. What is the term for species that 4. What is the term for species that grow attached to the bottom of a water source or some other substrate? 5. 5. What is extracted from brown algae to be used as a thickener? 6. 6. Why is kelp able to grow such lengths? 1. Thallus, blades, holdfast, and gas- bladder (pneumatocysts) 2. Characteristic brown/olive color due to accessory pigments in the chloroplasts 3. Ex: Bongo kelp ash used for glass, alginate as a thickener, edible decorative wrapping, kelp extracts for micronutrients - fertilizer 4. Benthic 5. Alginate 6. Pneumatocysts allow kelp to be closer to light source (a kind of phototaxis/phototropism) so the plant can grow to great heights and is not limited to ocean floor.