Abstract

Microalgae, in the strictest definition, are eukaryotic, unicellular microorganisms that are photosynthetic and typically have an aquatic lifestyle. Despite the fact that cyanobacteria (or ‘blue-green algae’) are prokaryotic, and are therefore not true algae, we have included them in this overview because they have a similar physiology and ecology to eukaryotic microalgae, and share many biotechnological applications. In this Primer, we discuss the diversity of microalgae, their evolutionary origin and ecological importance, the role they have played in human affairs so far, and how they can help to accelerate the transition to a more sustainable society.

Published in

Current Biology
2023, Volume: 33, number: 3, pages: R91-R95

SLU Authors

• Bertram, Michael

  • Department of Wildlife, Fish and Environmental Studies, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences
    

• Brodin, Tomas

  • Department of Wildlife, Fish and Environmental Studies, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences
    

UKÄ Subject classification

Environmental Sciences
Microbiology


Publication identifier

DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cub.2022.12.032

Permanent link to this page (URI)

https://res.slu.se/id/publ/122011