Gelatinous substances are materials that have a jelly-like consistency, often characterized by their semi-solid state. They can be found in various forms, such as gelatin, which is derived from animal collagen, and agar, a plant-based alternative sourced from red algae. These substances are commonly used in cooking, food production, and scientific applications due to their ability to thicken or stabilize mixtures. In nature, gelatinous substances can also be observed in organisms like jellyfish and sea cucumbers, which have bodies composed largely of water and a gelatinous matrix. These structures help them maintain shape and buoyancy in aquatic environments.