# DBT JRF 2022 — Question 149

Exam: DBT JRF 2022 · Section: B · Topic: Marine Biotechnology › Seaweed-Derived Products · Difficulty: Medium

## Question

Which one of the following is NOT extracted from seaweeds:

## Options

- **A.** Agar
- **B.** Alginate
- **C.** Calcium
- **D.** Aginomoto

## Answer

Option C

## Explanation

Aginomoto (MSG) is NOT extracted from seaweeds: • Aginomoto is the brand name for Monosodium Glutamate (MSG) — a flavour enhancer known as the 'umami' taste. • Production: Industrial fermentation of molasses (sugarcane) or glucose using Corynebacterium glutamicum (overproduces L-glutamate) → neutralised with NaOH to form MSG. • MSG was originally isolated from kombu (a seaweed) in 1908 by Kikunae Ikeda, but modern production is exclusively by bacterial fermentation. Seaweed-derived products: • Agar: extracted from red algae (Gelidium, Gracilaria); used as solidifying agent. • Alginate: extracted from brown algae (Ascophyllum, Laminaria); used as thickener, encapsulation agent. • Carrageenan: extracted from red algae (Chondrus, Kappaphycus); food gelling agent. • Fucoidan: sulfated polysaccharide from brown algae. Conclusion: Aginomoto (MSG) is NOT commercially extracted from seaweeds — it is produced by bacterial fermentation. Answer: Aginomoto (MSG) is NOT extracted from seaweeds; it is produced by microbial fermentation of sugars.

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