The term algae refers to plant-like organisms that are multi-celled or single-celled and photosynthetic (use sunlight to create food). Algae are vitally important to oceans, lakes, and rivers because they are the building blocks of the food chain and ecosystem. Algae are also vital to water bodies because they produce oxygen to sustain life.
Multi-celled algae can include seaweed, and single-celled algae include microscopic marine organisms called phytoplankton. Phytoplankton can be divided into two categories, cyanobacteria and microalgae.
What are cyanobacteria?
Cyanobacteria are photosynthetic, single-celled aquatic organisms. Although they are not true algae, they are often referred to as blue-green algae.
What are microalgae?
Microalgae or microscopic algae are aquatic single-celled algae that are photosynthetic. Two major groups of microalgae are diatoms and dinoflagellates.
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