The Invisible ABCs

Exploring the World of Microbes...

Letter s

Marine Plankton

Habitat: 

 

Marine plankton are photosynthetic microorganisms found in the ocean.  This image is of a type of marine plankton that belongs to a group of algae known as diatoms.

 

Importance:

 

Diatoms are microorganisms that harvest their 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:

 

Diatoms are single-celled, photosynthetic algae whose cell walls are made of a glass-like substance (silica).