Coccoliths, Sem #1 is a photograph by Steve Gschmeissner which was uploaded on May 2nd, 2013.
Coccoliths, Sem #1
Coccoliths, coloured scanning electron micrograph (SEM). Coccoliths are individual plates of calcium carbonate formed by coccolithophores... more
Title
Coccoliths, Sem #1
Artist
Steve Gschmeissner
Medium
Photograph
Description
Coccoliths, coloured scanning electron micrograph (SEM). Coccoliths are individual plates of calcium carbonate formed by coccolithophores (single-celled algae). The plates are arranged around the organism in a coccosphere but their function is unclear. Suggestions include defence against grazing by zooplankton or infection by bacteria or viruses; maintenance of buoyancy; release of carbon dioxide for photosynthesis; to filter out harmful UV light; or in deep-dwelling species, to concentrate light for photosynthesis. Magnification x2500 when printed 10 centimetres wide.
Uploaded
May 2nd, 2013
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