Question

know the composition and source of agar

Answer 1

Agar is gelatinous substance obtain from Algae.

Source:

It is obtained from the cell wall of Red algae ( Rhodophyta). Specially from Gracilaria & Gelidium . It is derived primarily from Gelidium amansii for commercial use.

Agar is collected from many countries such as : Japan, India, Indonesia, China etc.

Composition:

Agar is a mixture of two polysachharides. That are - 1. Agarose ( 70% of the composition), 2. Agaropectin ( 30% of the composition).

1.Agarose: It is a linear polymer of agarobiose, D-galactose, 3,6-anhydro-L-galactopyranose.

2.Agaropectin: It is composed of D galactose & L galactose with acidic side groups (sulphate, pyruvate) .