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What is the economic importance of Porphyra (red alga)?

  • A Processed industrially as a renewable source of crude petroleum
  • B Used as food (nori in Japanese cuisine) and for agar production
  • C Harvested commercially as a source of structural timber for construction
  • D Cultivated solely as a source of pharmaceutical-grade medicinal compounds

Correct answer: B. Used as food (nori in Japanese cuisine) and for agar production

Explanation: Porphyra is eaten as nori (dried sheets used in sushi). Red algae also provide agar (from Gelidium) used in microbiology and food industry, and carrageenan (from Chondrus) used as a food thickener.

Concept context

Classification of plants from algae to angiosperms. Understanding plant diversity is essential for NEET.

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