NEETBotanyPlant Kingdom
What is the main characteristic of algae that allows them to fix carbon dioxide?
Options
- AThey are heterotrophic.
- BThey are chlorophyll-bearing and photosynthetic.
- CThey have a thick cell wall.
- DThey live in extreme environments.
Correct answer
B. They are chlorophyll-bearing and photosynthetic.
Step-by-step solution
Algae are useful to man in a variety of ways. At least a half of the total carbon dioxide fixation on earth is carried out by algae through photosynthesis. Being photosynthetic they increase the level of dissolved oxygen in their immediate environment. They are of paramount importance as primary producers of energy-rich compounds which form the basis of the food cycles of all aquatic animals. Many species of Porphyra, Laminaria and Sargassum are among the 70 species of marine algae used as food. Certain marine brow