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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).
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