The Invisible ABCs

Exploring the World of Microbes...

Letter O

Eucampia zodiacus

Habitat:

 

Eucampia is found worldwide in aquatic environments.

 

Importance:

 

Eucampia 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:

 

Eucampia is a coiled microorganism.  The helical chains are made of cells linked together into chains.  Eucampia belongs to a group of photosynthetic algae called diatoms.  Diatoms live inside two glass-like plates.