The Invisible ABCs

Exploring the World of Microbes...

Letter e

Microthamnion kuetzingianum

Habitat:

 

Microthamnion lives in water and is attached to submerged moss or other algae.

 

Importance:

 

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

 

Classification:

 

Microthamnion is a green alga.  The cylinder-shaped cells are joined together to form branched thread-like filaments. 

 

Size:

 

Microthamnion is 4 mm in diameter.