Unicellular green alga in the following which is used as single cell protein (SCP) is?

KPSC Staff Nurse - 2015

Applied Nutrition & Dietetics

Easy

Appeared in: KPSC Staff Nurse - 2015

Explanation

Chlorella is a genus of single-celled green algae belonging to the phylum Chlorophyta.
It is exceptionally rich in protein (50-60% of its dry weight), along with essential amino acids, vitamins, and minerals, making it a highly nutritious food source.
Due to its high nutritional value and rapid biomass production, Chlorella is commercially cultivated in large ponds and bioreactors to be harvested as Single Cell Protein (SCP) and sold as a dietary supplement.

Option A: While Chlamydomonas is a unicellular green alga, it is not commercially cultivated for use as an SCP. Its primary role is as a model organism in scientific research.
Option B: Chara is a large, complex, multicellular alga. The question specifically asks for a unicellular organism.
Option C: Gonyaulax is a dinoflagellate, not a green alga. Furthermore, it is known for producing potent neurotoxins and causing harmful 'red tides', making it toxic and unsuitable for consumption.

Clinical Relevance

Nursing practice connection: This is primarily an exam-oriented knowledge point with limited direct bedside application, so retain Identification of unicellular algae used as Single Cell Protein (SCP) as background academic context rather than a clinical decision trigger.
Single Cell Proteins (SCPs) like Chlorella and Spirulina are used as nutritional supplements to boost protein, vitamin, and mineral intake, which is relevant for patient diet planning.
In a clinical context, SCPs can be part of nutritional support for patients with malnutrition, those on restrictive diets (e.g., vegan), or those requiring high-protein intake for recovery.
A key nursing consideration is the high nucleic acid content in SCPs. This can increase serum uric acid levels, posing a risk for patients with a history of gout or kidney stones. Monitoring and patient education are important.

How to Approach the Question

First, identify the key requirements from the question: the organism must be a 'unicellular green alga' and used as 'single cell protein (SCP)'.
Evaluate each option against the 'unicellular' criterion. Chara is a large, multicellular alga, so it can be eliminated immediately.
Next, evaluate the remaining options for their use as SCP and safety. Gonyaulax is a dinoflagellate known for producing toxins (red tides), making it unsuitable for consumption. Eliminate this option.
You are left with two unicellular green algae: Chlamydomonas and Chlorella.
Differentiate between them based on their primary application. Recall that Chlorella is widely marketed as a health food supplement and is a classic example of an SCP.
In contrast, Chlamydomonas is primarily known as a model organism for laboratory research. Therefore, Chlorella is the correct answer.

Concept Tested & Keywords

Concept Tested: Identification of unicellular algae used as Single Cell Protein (SCP).
Stem keywords: Unicellular green alga, single cell protein, SCP
Lead-in keywords: is
Negative lead-in flag: false

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E6 Nelson Textbook of Pediatrics(2024) — Volume 2 p. 405-407