What makes up the cell walls of algae?
1 Answer
Algal cell walls contain either polysaccharides or a variety of glycoproteins or both.
Explanation:
Algal cell walls are composed of a diverse array of fibriliar, matrix and crystalline polymers interacting with various ions and water.
Mannans form microfibrils in the cell walls of a number of marine green algae and red algae.
Aliginic acid is commonly found in cell walls of brown algae. Phlorotanins may also be constituents of algal cell walls.
Sulphonated polysaccharides like agarose, carrageenan, porphyran, furcelleran, and funoran occur in cell walls of most algae.
Other compounds that may accumulate in algal cell walls include sporopollenin, Dylan's and calcium ions.
The red algae possesses complex composite cell walls made of cellulose, xylans, or mannan fibrils and extensive matrix polysaccharides including carrageenan and agar.
