Microalgae

The microalgae, the algae that come into the domain of microbiology, occur in great abundance in oceans, seas, lakes, ponds and streams.

They arc also found in damp soil, rocks and in plants and animals. Photosynthetic forms make up a large part of free-floating microscopic life in water (plankton).

Some grow on the snow and ice of polar regions, others in hot springs at temperatures as high as 90°C.

Microscopic algae, sometimes, create problem in water supplies (e.g., brown flagellate alga namely Synura) because they produce undesirable tastes and odours.

Some grow endophytically in protozoa, Hydra, sponges and corals.