Algae is an informal, non-scientific term for a group of organisms that are photosynthetic and aquatic. Algae range from microscopic unicellular species to the giant seaweeds — kelps — that can grow over 50m long. The kelps and some other algae are eukaryotes; others are prokaryotic, for example cyanobacteria (also called blue-green algae).
Algae have been harvested by humans for over 1000 years. They have a number of uses, including fertiliser, but one major use is as food. Seaweed is eaten in large quantities in China, Korea and Japan. Its most familiar use to us is probably the nori seaweed in sushi rolls. Other algae are used in the production of a vast range of foodstuffs, for example algal products can be used to improve the texture of ice cream and as a stabiliser in toothpaste.
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