The Invisible ABCs

Exploring the World of Microbes...

Letter N

Thalassionema nitzschioides

Habitat:

 

Thalassionema is found in many aquatic environments throughout the temperate to tropical regions.

 

Importance:

 

Thalassionema harvests energy from sunlight in a process called photosynthesis.  The algae release oxygen in the process of photosynthesis.  Many living organisms require oxygen to survive.  In addition, algae are the basis of the food chain in aquatic environments.

 

Classification:

 

Thalassionema is a star-shaped grouping of individual cells that are held together with a sticky substance.  Thalassionema belongs to a group of photosynthetic algae called diatoms.  Diatoms live inside two glass-like plates.