Biology/algae enrgy source
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Question
How does algae in the ocean get its energy source if there is no light ???
Thanks for using AllExperts, Becky.
Algae are not universally photosynthetic; most can use the sun's energy to manufacture food, but they may supplement this by consuming food from their surrounding environment. The scientific term for this is mixotrophy, in that the food sources for some algae may be "mixed" between autotrophy (food is manufactured using energy from the sun) and heterotrophy (food is consumed from some other part of the environment). They may simply absorb compounds through their cell membranes by the process of osmosis. Algae can also show carnivorous behavior: they consume other microorganisms for food. Algae show remarkable diversity, which makes it hard to speak in anything other than generalizations. Most algae are photosynthetic, and some are mixotrophic; a few have lost their photosynthetic ability completely, and derive their food solely from predation.
If you need specifics on algae that are photosynthetic, mixotrophic, or carnivorous, you can search thousands of species on this website:
http://www.algaebase.org/
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John Locke
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I will answer all biology-related questions through the undergraduate level. I will explain unclear concepts and suggest approaches to solving problems, but would prefer not to completely solve homework problems for you. If you are completely stumped on homework, tell me what you already know and I will help you as much as possible. Please do not ask me for ideas on school research projects; part of research is determining a suitable area of investigation, and that's not a task that should be completed by someone else. Please don't simply send me your homework for solutions. If you are having difficulty after you have started an analysis, I will be happy to direct your thinking; in particular, I would prefer to not simply solve pedigrees for students, but I will be happy to assist in solving pedigrees that you have already started. If you don't understand how to analyze a pedigree, I'd highly recommend watching this video, in which a biology professor explains the basic concepts of pedigree analysis: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HbIHjsn5cHo
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I have a BS in Bioengineering with a concentration in Chemical Engineering (which included a heavy focus on biology), and have taught biology, biochemistry, and related subjects for some time now.
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BS Bioengineering, Penn State University
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