MCQ Detailed View

Algae are often described as aquatic solar fuel cells because of their ability to capture sunlight and convert it into usable chemical energy through photosynthesis. Like higher plants, algae contain the green pigment chlorophyll, which absorbs solar radiation and initiates the conversion of carbon dioxide and water into glucose and oxygen.

The reason they are compared to a fuel cell is that algae act as a biological system that stores solar energy in chemical bonds. This energy can later be released when the organic matter is consumed or decomposed. Unlike viruses or fungi, which lack photosynthetic pigments, algae actively harness solar energy in aquatic environments, making them efficient natural converters of sunlight into bioenergy.

Algae play a critical role in the global carbon cycle. They are responsible for producing a large fraction of Earth’s oxygen supply and serve as the foundation of aquatic food chains. Phytoplankton, which are microscopic algae, function as the primary producers in oceans and freshwater ecosystems. By capturing solar energy, they support fish, marine mammals, and ultimately humans.

Another important aspect is their potential as a biofuel resource. Modern research explores algae as a renewable source of biodiesel and bioethanol, since they produce oils and other compounds that can be converted into alternative fuels. This has earned algae the title of a “solar fuel cell” not only in natural ecosystems but also in sustainable energy studies.

Bacteria and fungi may contribute to decomposition and nutrient recycling, but they do not perform photosynthesis in the same way as algae. Viruses are non-living entities and cannot generate energy. Only algae serve as true aquatic solar fuel cells because they directly transform sunlight into energy-rich compounds in water ecosystems.