The Invisible ABCs

Exploring the World of Microbes...

Letter p

Anthophysa

Habitat:

 

Anthophysa is widely distributed in freshwater lakes and ponds.

 

Importance:

 

Anthophysa is a microorganism that is part of the food chain in freshwater ecosystems.  Anthophysa eats bacteria and is in turn eaten by larger organisms.

 

Classification:

 

Anthophysa belongs to an unusual group of algae that have lost the ability to carry out photosynthesis.  As a result, the cells are colorless.  The microorganism consists of a group of cells arranged in a sphere that is attached to a surface by a stalk.  The cells have flagella and ingest bacteria for food.