# DBT JRF 2022 — Question 146

Exam: DBT JRF 2022 · Section: B · Topic: Marine Biotechnology › Marine Polysaccharides - Fucoidans · Difficulty: Medium

## Question

Identify the correct statement about Fucoidans:

## Options

- **A.** Fucoidans are iron containing proteins, found in blue green algae.
- **B.** Fucoidans are sulphur containing amino acids found in marine derived proteins.
- **C.** Fucoidans are iron containing lipopolysaccharides found in algal biomass.
- **D.** Fucoidans are sulfated polysaccharides, found in brown algae, that contain L-fucose among their constituent sugars.

## Answer

Option D

## Explanation

Fucoidans: sulfated polysaccharides from brown algae: Fucoidans are a class of marine biopolymers with the following characteristics: • Composition: Sulfated polysaccharides; primary sugar = L-fucose (a deoxy sugar); also contain galactose, mannose, xylose, uronic acids, and sulfate groups. • Source: Cell walls and extracellular matrix of BROWN ALGAE (Phaeophyta): Fucus vesiculosus, Undaria pinnatifida (wakame), Laminaria. • Charged surface: anionic due to sulfate groups (similar to heparin). Bioactivities: • Anticoagulant (heparin-like): inhibit thrombin and factor Xa. • Antiviral: inhibit viral adhesion to cells. • Anti-inflammatory. • Immunomodulatory. • Anti-tumour effects in vitro. Biotechnological interest: Marine biotechnology, nutraceuticals, functional food ingredients. Answer: Fucoidans are sulfated polysaccharides containing L-fucose, found in brown algae cell walls; possess anticoagulant and immunomodulatory activities.

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