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Chlorophyl, phycocyanin and phycoertythrin pigments are what gives red algae their red color. However, if the pigment phycoerythrin is destroyed, the algae may appear purple, brown, green, or yellow. It's the phycocyanin and phycoerythrin in red algae which allows the alage to grow in deep waters. Majority of seaweed are red algae.
Red algae are found in many different physical forms including simple and branched filaments, fleshy plants, and sheets. The unique intercellular structure in red algae gives the plant a rubbery, springy quality.
Humans have discovered two types of gelling compounds in the cell walls of red algae which are now used in many food products and scientific research.
Carrageenan is an ingredient in products such as toothpaste and milk products like ice cream and shakes. Agar is a substance with many scientific applications in microbiology, biotechnology, and criminology, and it is also used in the packaging of canned meats.
Most of the edible seaweed in Hawaii are members of the division Rhydophyta.
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