The Invisible ABCs

Exploring the World of Microbes...

Letter x

Capartogramma crucicula

Habitat:

 

Aquatic environments of the eastern and southern United States.

 

Importance:

 

Capartogramma 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.

 

Classification:

 

Capartogramma is a unicellular alga called a diatom.  Diatoms have two glass-like shells (silica).  Capartogramma is unique for its X-shaped area of thickened silica.