The Invisible ABCs

Exploring the World of Microbes...

Letter u

Chaetoceros debilis

Habitat:

 

Chaetoceros is a unicellular alga called a diatom and is found in the temperate and cold waters of the northern hemisphere.

 

Importance:

 

Chaetoceros is a microorganism that harvests its energy from sunlight using a process known as photosynthesis.  During photosynthesis, oxygen is released.  In addition, diatoms and other photosynthetic microbes are the basis for the food chain in aquatic environments.

In addition, some species of Chaetoceros can cause fish kills.  The microorganism has glass-like projections with small barbs which break off and clog the gills of fish.

 

Classification:

 

Chaetoceros is a unicellular alga called a diatom.  Diatoms have two glass-like shells.  Chaetoceros has long spines that extend from the corners of the cells.