Problem 227 - Objective Biology for NEET

Question

Assertion: Chlorella used as a food supplement by space travellers. Reason: Chlorella is unicellular green algae.

Step-by-Step Solution

Answer

Chlorella, a unicellular green algae, is used as a food supplement by space travelers due to its high nutritional value, easy reproducibility, and ability to recycle carbon dioxide and produce oxygen in a spacecraft environment.

Step 1: Understanding Chlorella

To start off, let's identify what Chlorella is. Chlorella is a type of single-cell green algae that contains a high amount of nutrients such as proteins, vitamins, minerals and dietary fibers.

Step 2: Connection to Space Travel

Next, let's evaluate why Chlorella would be a valuable food supplement for space travelers. In a closed environment like a spacecraft, there's a need for a food source that is nutrient-dense, easy to carry, and has a long shelf life. Chlorella meets all these criteria, making it an excellent choice for space nutrition.

Step 3: Importance of Unicellular Structure

Lastly, let's understand why being unicellular green algae is relevant. As a unicellular organism, Chlorella can be easily reproduced and harvested in large quantities, offering a rapid and plentiful food source. Being green algae, Chlorella uses photosynthesis to grow, enabling it to recycle carbon dioxide and produce oxygen, which is especially beneficial in a spacecraft environment.

Key Concepts

Unicellular Algae

Unicellular algae, such as Chlorella, play an important role in the ecosystem and biotechnology. Chlorella is classified as a unicellular organism because it consists of only one cell. This simplicity in structure allows it to thrive in a variety of environments, making it adaptable and resilient. Its cellular makeup is packed with essential nutrients like proteins, vitamins, and minerals.

One of the fantastic features of unicellular algae is their capability to reproduce rapidly. This means they can be cultivated on a large scale with relative ease. This mass production is invaluable in several industries, including health and nutrition.

• Reproduction Ease: Single-cell organisms like Chlorella can multiply quickly through simple cell division.
• Adaptability: They can grow in diverse environments, from ponds to artificial setups.
• Nutrient Density: Despite their size, they carry a significant amount of nutrients needed for human health.

Unicellular algae like Chlorella are not just miracles of nature; they are practical tools for sustainable food solutions.

Space Nutrition

Space nutrition is a critical component of human space travel. In the confines of a spaceship, traditional food sources pose challenges due to space, weight, and shelf life. This is where Chlorella comes into the picture as a unicellular powerhouse of nutrition.

Chlorella is not only nutrient-dense but also compact and portable, making it ideal for space missions. It can be efficiently cultivated onboard, ensuring a fresh and continuous food supply.

• Nutrient-Dense: Rich in vitamins, proteins, and minerals essential for astronaut health.
• Compact: Takes up minimal space, crucial in spacecraft where every inch is valuable.
• Longevity: Has a long shelf life, reducing concerns of spoilage over extended missions.

Incorporating Chlorella into the diet of astronauts not only supports their nutritional needs but also aids in recycling carbon dioxide into oxygen through photosynthesis, which is vital for maintaining life support systems in space.

Photosynthesis

Photosynthesis is the process where plants, algae, and some bacteria convert light energy into chemical energy. This process is crucial for life on Earth and holds immense value in space exploration. Chlorella, being a green algae, uses photosynthesis to grow, which has several advantages for space travel.

In photosynthesis, Chlorella absorbs sunlight and carbon dioxide to produce glucose and oxygen. This means it can help support life by generating vital oxygen in the closed environment of a spacecraft, which is crucial for breathing.

• Oxygen Production: Converts carbon dioxide to oxygen, improving air quality in space habitats.
• Sustainability: Offers a renewable source of food through sunlight, especially useful in long-duration space missions.
• Closed Loop System: Helps create a more sustainable life support system by balancing carbon dioxide and oxygen levels.

Photosynthesis in organisms like Chlorella is not only fundamental for life on Earth but also a key player in making human habitation sustainable in space.