Trace the open ocean microbial loop, starting with DOM released by unicells, and follow how it is reprocessed through the bodies of various microorganisms, finally leading up in the bodies of zooplankton

What will be an ideal response?


Single cell organisms are inherently leaky. They and other organisms release dissolved organic matter (DOM) into the water. Heterotrophic bacteria are capable of absorbing this material; acting as recyclers, the bacteria are then consumed by heterotrophic nanoflagellates. The flagellates are consumed by tintinnids and other ciliates. The DOM has now been reprocessed and packaged into organisms that can be consumed by the zooplankton.

Biology & Microbiology

You might also like to view...

You are interested in reducing the overall ecological impact of your college/university. Which of the following would immediately contribute to your goal? (Choose all correct answers.)

A. lower enrollment and a reduced college workforce B. decreased energy use in buildings C. installation of solar energy in some buildings

Biology & Microbiology

The luteinizing hormone (LH) ____

a. affects sex steroid hormone secretion b. has no function in males c. is produced by the corpus luteum d. stimulates milk production e. encourages growth of bone and soft tissues

Biology & Microbiology

What pattern of inheritance applies to a woman with type A blood who has the alleles IA and i?

A) polygenic inheritance B) simple dominance C) codominance D) sex-linked recessive inheritance

Biology & Microbiology

Which of the following organelles has both an outer and an inner membrane?

(a) endoplasmic reticulum (b) mitochondrion (c) lysosome (d) peroxisome

Biology & Microbiology