Photosynthesis in the Ocean

Science

A rapid increase in the population of algae

Algal bloom

A rapid increase in the population of algae. algal bloom. An algal bloom is when algae grow quickly in water, often causing the water to become discolored.

An organism that uses energy from the sun to produce its own food, like plants

Autotroph

An organism that uses energy from the sun to produce its own food, like plants. Autotroph. An autotroph is a living thing that makes its own food using sunlight or chemicals, such as plants.

A cyclic polyether compounds (neurotoxin) produced by a species of phytoplankton

Brevetoxin

A cyclic polyether compounds neurotoxin produced by a species of phytoplankton brevetoxin. Brevetoxin is a potent toxin produced by algae that can harm marine life and cause health issues in humans.

The biogeochemical cycle by which carbon is exchanged among the Earth's spheres

Carbon cycle

The biogeochemical cycle by which carbon is exchanged among the Earth's spheres carbon cycle. The carbon cycle is the process by which carbon moves through the atmosphere, oceans, soil, and living organisms.

The green pigment in plants that uses light energy for photosynthesis

Chlorophyll

The green pigment in plants that uses light energy for photosynthesis. Chlorophyll. Chlorophyll is the substance in plants that helps them make food using sunlight.

The plant organelle that uses light energy to make food

Chloroplast

The plant organelle that uses light energy to make food. Chloroplast. Chloroplasts are parts of plant cells where photosynthesis happens, turning sunlight into energy.

A taxon of bacteria which conduct photosynthesis

Cyanobacteria

A taxon of bacteria which conduct photosynthesis. Cyanobacteria. Cyanobacteria are microorganisms that convert sunlight into energy through photosynthesis, often called blue-green algae.

The chemical breakdown of a substance into simpler substances

Decomposition

The chemical breakdown of a substance into simpler substances. Decomposition. It's when complex materials break down into simpler parts, like a fallen leaf turning into soil.

A protein that speeds up chemical reactions in cells

Enzyme

A protein that speeds up chemical reactions in cells. Enzyme. An enzyme is like a helper that makes chemical reactions happen faster in living things.

Contains organisms that can severely lower oxygen levels in natural waters

Harmful algal bloom

Contains organisms that can severely lower oxygen levels in natural waters. Harmful algal bloom. A harmful algal bloom is a rapid increase of algae in water, which can produce toxins and deplete oxygen, harming aquatic life.

Electromagnetic energy that travels in waves, not all light is in the visible spectrum

Light

Electromagnetic energy that travels in waves, not all light is in the visible spectrum. Light is a form of energy that we can see with our eyes.

A very small organism that can only be seen with a microscope, like bacteria

Microorganism

A very small organism that can only be seen with a microscope, like bacteria. Microorganism. Microorganisms are tiny living things that are too small to be seen with the naked eye and include bacteria, viruses, and fungi.

A molecule composed of three oxygen atoms, it blocks UV rays

Ozone

A molecule composed of three oxygen atoms, it blocks UV rays. Ozone is a gas in Earth's atmosphere that protects us from the sun's harmful ultraviolet radiation.

A disease-causing agent, like a bacteria, virus, or parasite

Pathogen

A disease-causing agent, like a bacteria, virus, or parasite. pathogen. A pathogen is a tiny organism that can make you sick.

The upper ocean with sunlight

Photic zone

The upper ocean with sunlight. photic zone. The photic zone is the top layer of the ocean where sunlight penetrates, allowing photosynthesis to occur.

The process by which plants use sunlight, carbon dioxide, and water to make food

Photosynthesis

The process by which plants use sunlight, carbon dioxide, and water to make food. Photosynthesis. It is how plants make their own food using sunlight.

Microscopic, photosynthetic organisms that float near the water’s surface, like algae

Phytoplankton

Microscopic, photosynthetic organisms that float near the waters surface, like algae. Phytoplankton are tiny plants in the ocean that produce oxygen and serve as the base of the marine food chain.

A colored chemical compound that absorbs some colors of light and reflects others

Pigment

A colored chemical compound that absorbs some colors of light and reflects others. Pigment. In simple terms, a pigment is a substance that gives color to other materials by absorbing some wavelengths of light and reflecting others.

The production of chemical energy by living organisms

Primary productivity

The production of chemical energy by living organisms. primary productivity. Primary productivity is the process by which plants and other photosynthetic organisms produce energy-rich compounds like sugars using sunlight.