Microorganisms are usually grouped into those relying solely on harvesting light
(phototrophy) or those relying solely on the assimilation of organic or inorganic compounds …

The assimilation of organic nutrients by autotrophs, a form of mixotrophy, has been
demonstrated in the globally abundant marine picocyanobacterial genera Prochlorococcus …

Marine picocyanobacteria of the Prochlorococcus and Synechococcus genera have been
longtime considered as autotrophic organisms. However, compelling evidence published …

Cyanobacteria are major contributors to ocean biogeochemical cycling. However,
mixotrophic metabolism and the relative importance of inorganic and organic carbon …

Photosynthesis in eukaryotes first arose through phagocytotic processes wherein an
engulfed cyanobacterium was not digested, but instead became a permanent organelle …

Interactions between photoautotrophic and heterotrophic microorganisms are central to the
marine microbial ecosystem. Lab cultures of one of the dominant marine photoautotrophs …

Mixotrophy, the combination of phototrophy and heterotrophy within the same individual, is
widespread in oceanic systems. Yet, neither the presence nor ecological impact of …

Photoheterotrophic microbes, which are capable of utilizing dissolved organic materials and
harvesting light energy, include coccoid cyanobacteria (Synechococcus and …

Some protists from both marine and freshwater environments function at more than one
trophic level by combining photosynthesis and panicle ingestion. Photosynthetic algae from …

Photoheterotrophs are microorganisms that use light as an energy source while exploiting
organic compounds as their carbon and energy source. In the marine environment, these …