Chlorophyceae i.e. green algae

Most of these members have one or more storage bodies called pyrenoids located in the chloroplast.Pyrenoids contain protein besides starch.Some algae may store food in the form of oil droplets.

Algae that store food as oil droplets:

There are several types of algae that store food as oil droplets, but one of the most well-known is the microalga called Botryococcus braunii. This green colonial alga is known for its ability to produce and accumulate large amounts of hydrocarbon oils, which are stored as droplets inside the cells.

Characteristics of Botryococcus braunii:

- Structure: Botryococcus braunii is a colonial alga that forms small, spherical colonies. Each colony consists of numerous cells surrounded by a common mucilaginous sheath.

- Oil production: This alga is unique because it produces and stores hydrocarbon oils as a primary energy reserve. These oils are stored in specialized structures called lipid bodies or oil droplets, which are located within the cells.

- Oil composition: The hydrocarbon oils produced by Botryococcus braunii are predominantly composed of long-chain hydrocarbons, such as botryococcenes, botryococcenes, and other related compounds. These hydrocarbons have potential applications as biofuels and other industrial products.

- Oil extraction: Extracting oil from Botryococcus braunii can be challenging due to the high viscosity of the oils and the need to break the algal cells to release the oil droplets. Various methods, such as solvent extraction and mechanical disruption, have been used to extract the oil from this alga.

- Cultivation: Botryococcus braunii can be cultivated in open ponds or closed photobioreactors. It requires specific growth conditions, including appropriate light intensity, temperature, and nutrient availability, to maximize oil production.

Importance and applications:

- The oils produced by Botryococcus braunii have gained significant attention due to their potential as renewable energy sources. These hydrocarbon oils can be converted into biofuels, such as biodiesel and bio-jet fuel, which can help reduce dependence on fossil fuels and mitigate greenhouse gas emissions.

- In addition to biofuels, the hydrocarbon oils from Botryococcus braunii have potential applications in the production of high-value chemicals, lubricants, and cosmetics.

- The ability of Botryococcus braunii to produce and store large amounts of oil also makes it an interesting candidate for carbon capture and storage. The alga can capture carbon dioxide from the atmosphere through photosynthesis and convert it into hydrocarbon oils, effectively sequestering carbon.

- Furthermore, the cultivation of Botryococcus braunii can have additional environmental benefits, such as wastewater treatment and nutrient recycling, as the alga can effectively remove nutrients from wastewater and utilize them for growth.

In conclusion, Botryococcus braunii is a fascinating alga that stores food as oil droplets. Its unique ability to produce and accumulate hydrocarbon oils has significant implications for renewable energy, carbon capture, and sustainable bioproducts.