Bacterioplankton

Bacterioplankton (pronunciation: bak-teer-ee-oh-plank-ton) are bacteria that inhabit the water column of freshwater, brackish, and marine environments. They are a key component of the plankton that drift in the water column.

Etymology

The term "bacterioplankton" is derived from three words: "bacteria", "plankton", and the Greek suffix "-ton", which means "drifter". "Bacteria" is a term used to describe a large group of single-celled microorganisms, while "plankton" refers to the small and microscopic organisms drifting or floating in the sea or fresh water.

Function

Bacterioplankton play a crucial role in nutrient cycling in aquatic environments. They are responsible for the decomposition of organic matter, which results in the release of nutrients back into the water. This process is essential for the survival of other aquatic organisms, including phytoplankton and zooplankton.

Types

There are many types of bacterioplankton, including cyanobacteria, proteobacteria, and actinobacteria. Each of these types plays a unique role in the ecosystem, contributing to nutrient cycling, primary production, and the food chain.

Related Terms

External links

Medical encyclopedia article on Bacterioplankton
Wikipedia's article - Bacterioplankton

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Bacterioplankton