This set of Marine Biotechnology Multiple Choice Questions & Answers (MCQs) focuses on “Bioactive Metabolites of Marine Algae”.
1. Which of the following algae doesn’t grow both in fresh water and sea water?
a) Prasiola
b) Ulva
c) Enteromorpha
d) Cladophora
View Answer
Explanation: Ulva is an edible macroscopic green algae, also known as the sea lettuce. It only grows in the sea waters whereas Prasiola, Cladophora, Enteromorpha grow both in fresh water and sea water.
2. Which of the following is not a class of bioactive metabolite from marine algae?
a) Brominated phenols
b) Oxygen heterocyclics
c) Prostaglandins
d) Nitrogen heterocyclics
View Answer
Explanation: Secondary metabolites from the marine algae serve as bioactive molecules of importance. These metabolites are synthesized for non-growth related purposes. Prostaglandins are bioactive molecules from higher marine organisms whereas all other options are from marine algae.
3. Brominated phenols from marine algae exhibit which of the following activity?
a) Antialgal
b) Antiviral
c) Antifungal
d) Anthelmintic
View Answer
Explanation: Brominated phenols are mainly synthesized by the green, brown and red algae. Most of the brominated phenols exhibit antialgal activity and thereby regulate the endophytic and epiphytic relationships.
4. Laurencin is produced by ___________________
a) green algae
b) blue-green algae
c) red algae
d) brown algae
View Answer
Explanation: Laurencin is a brominated oxygen heterocyclic compound synthesized by the red algae Laurencia glandulifera. It is isolated from the neutral fraction from the methanol extract of the aforementioned algae.
5. Laureatin exhibits larvicidal activity.
a) True
b) False
View Answer
Explanation: Laureatin is a brominated oxygen heterocyclic compound synthesized by the red algae Laurencia nipponica. It exhibits larvicidal activity against the mosquitos and is a toxic compound.
6. Which of the following is a nitrogen heterocyclic compound of marine origin?
a) Saxitoxin
b) Oleic acid
c) Laureatin
d) Domoic acid
View Answer
Explanation: Domoic acid is a nitrogen containing heterocyclic compound from marine algae. Isolated from red algae Chondria armata, it is an anthelmintic agent used to treat parasitic infections.
7. Which of the following is widely used as an anthelmintic in Asia?
a) Corallina officinalis
b) Laurencia glandulifera
c) Digenea simplex
d) Laurencia nipponica
View Answer
Explanation: Digenea simplex is a dried red algae widely used in Asian subcontinent as an anthelmintic. In Mediterranean, the extract of algae Corallina officinalis is used as an anthelmintic agent.
8. ‘Digenin’ is a preparation of _______________________
a) kainic acids
b) domoic acids
c) oleic acids
d) tartaric acids
View Answer
Explanation: Digenin and Helminal are preparations of kainic acids derived from the red algae Digenea simplex. These drugs are available in the market for treating parasitic infections (anthelmintic agents).
9. Gonyaulax catenella is a ______________________
a) shellfish
b) mollusk
c) hermaphrodite
d) plankton
View Answer
Explanation: Gonyaulax catenella is marine red plankton that causes the ‘red tide’ due to multiplication and formation of algal blooms. The saxitoxin is isolated from California mussel and Gonyaulax catenella.
10. Which of the following is one of the symptoms of saxitoxin?
a) Flu
b) Lung failure
c) Peripheral paralysis
d) Acidity
View Answer
Explanation: Sxitoxin is a neurotoxin that interferes with the initial increase in sodium permeability of the membrane, thereby blocking the nerve conduction and peripheral paralysis. The toxin is absorbed from the gastrointestinal tract.
11. Which of the following is a mild anesthetic?
a) Caulerpin
b) Vimentin
c) Niacin
d) Carotene
View Answer
Explanation: Caulerpin is an alkaloid from the marine alga Caulerpa lamourouxii, widely distributed in the Phillippines. It acts as a mild anesthetic, resulting in the numbness of the lips and tongue.
12. Extracts of the marine algae Laminaria angustata can be used as ______________________
a) analgesics
b) antibiotics
c) hypotensive agents
d) hypertensive agents
View Answer
Explanation: Laminine are the amino acid extracts of marine algae Laminaria angustata and Chondria amata used as hypotensive (blood-pressure reducing) agents. It is isolated using amberlite ion-exchange resins.
13. Fucosterol is a _____________________
a) amino acid
b) sterol
c) sphingolipid
d) phospholipid
View Answer
Explanation: Fucosterol is a sterol isolated from algae, seaweed and diatoms. It is mainly isolated from the brown algae (Phaeophyceae). Sterols derived from the marine algae are non-toxic and have the ability to reduce blood-cholesterol level.
14. Sulfated polysaccharides are produced mainly by the rhodophyceae (red algae) and __________________
a) zooplankton
b) phaeophyceae
c) cyanophyceae
d) chlorophyceae
View Answer
Explanation: Sulfated polysaccharides derived from seaweeds are economically important due to their extensive use in food and medicine. The two main classes of seaweeds producing sulfated polysaccharides are the rhodophyceae (red algae) and phaeophyceae.
15. The red algae produce carrageenan, agar and agarose.
a) True
b) False
View Answer
Explanation: The sulfated polysaccharides carrageenan and agarose are produced by the red algae while alginic acid is a product of brown algae. Carrageenan is an antithrombic agent and anti-coaggulant.
Sanfoundry Global Education & Learning Series – Marine Biotechnology.
To practice all areas of Marine Biotechnology, here is complete set of 1000+ Multiple Choice Questions and Answers.
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