The Invisible ABCs

Exploring the World of Microbes...

Letter k

Spirogyra

Habitat:

 

Spirogyra is a widely distributed alga that is commonly found in freshwater environments.

 

Importance:

 

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

 

 

Classification:

 

Spirogyra is a green alga that has helical-shaped chloroplasts.  Chloroplasts are the special compartments in algae or plant cells where photosynthesis occurs.