Question:

Which of the following algae contains mannitol as reserve food material

Updated On: Nov 13, 2025
  • Ulothrix

  • Ectocarpus

  • Gracilaria

  • Volvox

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The Correct Option is B

Solution and Explanation

To determine which algae contains mannitol as a reserve food material, let's examine the characteristics of each option given in the question:

  1. Ulothrix: This is a green alga and employs starch as its primary reserve food material, not mannitol.
  2. Ectocarpus: This is a brown alga, which is part of the Phaeophyceae class, where mannitol and laminarin are commonly used as reserve food materials.
  3. Gracilaria: This is a red alga known for storing floridean starch, not mannitol.
  4. Volvox: This belongs to the green algae group and stores starch similar to other green algae, not mannitol.

Therefore, Ectocarpus is the correct answer as it specifically uses mannitol as a reserve food material. This aligns with the general characteristics of brown algae, where mannitol is commonly found as an energy storage molecule.

Conclusion: Based on the characteristics of the different types of algae, Ectocarpus contains mannitol as a reserve food material.

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Concepts Used:

Pteridophytes

Pteridophytes are the first terrestrial vascular plants. Carolus Linnaeus classified them under the group cryptogamae. Pteridophytes occupy a transitional position between bryophytes and spermatophytes.

For Example, Silver fern, Equisetum, Selaginella

The general characteristics of Pteridophytes are:

  1. They are seedless.
  2. They are multicellular.
  3. They reproduce through spores.
  4. They are independent and free-living organisms.
  5. They have a well-differentiated plant body into root, stem and leaves.

Classification of Pteridophytes:

Life Cycle of Pteridophyta: