Name the alga which is used for obtaining agar. What are the different uses of agar ?

Explanation

Agar is obtained from the red alga Gelidium. It is a kind of polysaccharide which is widely used as stabiliser of thickener in the preparation of jellies, puddings, creams, bakery goods, etc. It is also used as a temporary preservative for meat and fish in warm regions. Agar is used to make gelatin capsules, as a substance for making dental impressions and as a base for cosmetics. Agar is also used in culture laboratories in the preparation of solid culture media on which bacteria, fungi, and other organisms are grown.