Microalgae
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Microalgae are the most primitive form of plants. While the mechanism of photosynthesis in microalgae is similar to that of higher plants, they are generally more efficient converters of solar energy because of their simple cellular structure.
In addition, because the cells grow in aqueous suspension, they have more efficient access to water, CO2, and other nutrients.
In general, microalgae are unicellular eukaryotic microbes. They mostly come from the Protista kingdom, which also emcompasses the protozoa. The main distinction between the microalgae and the protozoans is that microalgae are usually autotrophic organisms, whereas protozoa are heterotrophic.
See also
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