Agar
From Wikinfo
Agar is a galactose polymer obtained from the cell walls of some species of red algae or seaweeds (Sphaerococcus Euchema and Gelidium species), chiefly from eastern Asia. Also known as Kanten, Agar-Agar, or Agal-Agal (Ceylon Agar).
Dissolved in hot water and cooled, agar becomes gelatinous; its chief use is as a culture medium for microbiological work (e.g. agar plates). Other uses include as a laxative, a vegetarian gelatin substitute - a thickener for soups, in jellies, ice cream and Japanese desserts such as anmitsu, and as a clarifying agent in brewing.
See also: agarose
Agar is also the name of a place in the State of South Dakota in the United States of America: see Agar, South Dakota.
Agar is also the name of a computer game engine; see Agar (engine).
References
- Adapted from the Wikipedia article, "Agar" http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Agar, used under the GNU Free Documentation License
