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Description

Protoctists have co-evolved with photosynthetic bacteria for some time. Swallowed up but not digested, some bacteria provide the protoctist with a constant supply of food, which makes them self-sufficient algae. The engulfed bacteria receive a safe, comfortable home and rapid transport to sunlight. With their endosymbiotic (living inside) bacteria, the protoctists, now algae, are virtual living greenhouses.

These cross-species associations celebrate success with permanent mergers. The bacteria transform into new organelles called plastids. Eventually, splashes of green and red seaweed will decorate Earth's coasts.

Date Created

1997

Holding Institution

University of Montana--Missoula. Environmental Studies Program

Rights Statement

In Copyright

Rights Holder

© 1997 Stiftung Drittes Millennium

Item Type

Exhibit

Digital File Format

image/jpeg

Media Type

Text; Image

Digital Image Number

41_wtt_file03_40-59.jpg

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