Difference Between Kelp and Seaweed

Kelp vs seaweed

For many centuries, people associated kelp with seaweed. Though kelp is a kind of seaweed, it is different from seaweed in many aspects.

Kelp is also referred to as large seaweed, which belongs to the brown algae. Classified in the Laminaria order, about 300 genera of Kelp are known. Some of the kelp species are very long, and can even form kelp forests. Though kelp appears like a plant, they are not classified under terrestrial plants, but as Protista.

Seaweeds are primitive sea plants, which belong to the algae family. There are about 10,000 seaweed species. The seaweeds, which are paraphyletic, do not have a common multi cellular ancestor.

Kelps grow in shallow, clear waters, which are cooler than 68 degree Fahrenheit. It anchors to the ocean bed by a structure called holdfast. The kelp body resembles a stem with leaves. Kelp contains air-filled bladders that help the body to float in the water. Seaweeds grow in many places, from the poles to the equator.

Unlike seaweed, kelp is known for Soda ash, which is produced by burning kelp. Alginate, a carbohydrate from kelp, is primarily used as a thickening agent in ice cream, toothpaste and other products. Some kelp species are also used in certain cuisines.

Seaweeds are used in many products around the world. Rich in vitamins and nutrients, seaweeds are used as food in many regions around the world. Bread, noodles and certain drinks are made of seaweed in some coastal regions. Carrageenan, which is extracted from seaweed, is used in the production of many products, like paper and toothpaste. Agar, another extract from seaweed, is used as a thickening agent in foods, and also helps to grow bacterial cultures.

Summary

1. Kelp is also referred to as large seaweed, which belongs to the brown algae.

2. About 300 genera of Kelp are known. There are about 10,000 seaweed species.

3. Kelp is classified as Protista. Seaweed is paraphyletic.

4. Unlike seaweed, kelp is known for Soda ash, which is produced by burning kelp.

5. Alginate, a carbohydrate from kelp, is primarily used as a thickening agent in ice cream, toothpaste and other products.

6. Carrageenan, which is extracted from seaweed, is used in the production of many products, like paper and toothpaste. Agar, another extract from seaweed is used as thickening agent in foods, and also helps to grow bacterial cultures.

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