dinoflagellaattien

Dinoflagellates are a large and diverse group of single-celled eukaryotic organisms, primarily marine plankton. They are characterized by two flagella, one trailing and one that encircles the cell in a groove called the cingulum. These flagella enable them to move through the water, although many are also passively carried by currents. Dinoflagellates exhibit a wide range of life strategies; some are photosynthetic, containing chloroplasts and acting as primary producers in marine ecosystems, while others are heterotrophic, feeding on other organisms. Some species are mixotrophic, capable of both photosynthesis and heterotrophy. They play a significant role in aquatic food webs, serving as a food source for zooplankton and other marine animals. A notable characteristic of dinoflagellates is their ability to cause bioluminescence, producing light when disturbed, which can create spectacular displays in the ocean at night. Certain species are also responsible for harmful algal blooms, also known as red tides, which can produce toxins that are detrimental to marine life and can impact human health through contaminated seafood. Their cell walls, or theca, are often composed of interlocking plates of cellulose, providing protection. Dinoflagellates are found in all oceans and some freshwater environments.