Describe economic importance of red algae.

Explanation

Economic importance of red algae are as follows `:`
(i) A number of red algae are used as food. Examples `:` Poryphyra Rhodymenia, Chondrus and Cantenella.
(ii) Red algae like Rhondymenia are used as fodder for the cattle.
(iii) Agar is a phycocolloid obtained from Gelidium, Gelidiella, Gracillaria, Ceramium, Phyllospora etc. Agar yielding algae are called agrophytes.
(iv) Carrageenin is rhodophycean phycocolloid obtained from Chondrus and Gigartina.
(v) Funori is adhesive phycocolloid obtained from red algae Gloiopeltis. It is used in textiles, paper and as glue.
(vi) Red algae play important role in the field of medicines. Polysiphonia is used as antibacterial while Corallina has vermifuge properties.