1. The Kingdoms of Living Things

2. Part I: Unicellular Organisms

3. Review 1.What does the term unicellular mean? one-cell 2. What does the term prokaryotic mean? Literally it means “before the nut.” It refers to unicellular organisms that lack a nucleus. 3. Organisms that have their genetic material inside a nucleus are referred to as __________________. eukaryotes 4. Which type of prokaryotic, unicellular organism have we already discussed this year?_____________ bacteria 5. Organisms that contain the green pigment__________________ are able to make their own food through the process of photosynthesis. chlorophyll Write questions and answers in question bank.

4. We have already talked about plant and animal cells. Plant and animal cells reproduce and form the tissues of the plant and animal, but they generally do not live as separate organisms. Unicellular organisms live as separate organisms. Like all living things, they must be able to find food and get rid of waste, use energy, respond to their environment, and reproduce. Unicellular organisms include bacteria, cyanobacteria, archaea, and most types of protists. We will learn more about each of these types of unicellular organisms over the next few days.

5. Viruses You noticed on a previous page that bacteria have a kingdom of their own. But what about viruses? Viruses do not fall into any of the established kingdoms and are not even considered by most scientists to be living organisms at all because Viruses do not have organelles Viruses cannot reproduce on their own. Diseases caused by viruses include chicken pox, smallpox, influenza, HIV/AIDS, rabies, herpes, colds, Hepatitis (A, B, and C), and many others.

6. Viruses are tough. They often look like something from outer space. They can be covered in spikes. They have a tough protein shell to protect them. They are incredibly simple, but can cause hideous diseases in humans, plants, and animals. Viruses do not have organelles, but they do have genetic material floating around inside of them in the form of DNA or RNA. Viruses attack cells and even bacteria and inject this genetic material into the cell. The viruses genetic material then reprograms the cell so that the cell starts making more viruses! http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Rpj0emEGShQ

7. How a virus reproduces 1. Virus latches on to a cell inside a plant or animal. Viruses are very specific about which cells they target. They cannot invade every cell in the body, only specific ones. 2. Virus injects its genetic material into the host cell. The cell’s own genetic instructions now get reprogrammed. The cell begins assembling proteins into the various parts of the virus. 3. The cell now puts all the loose parts of the virus floating around inside it together creating new viruses. 4. The viruses break out of the host cell and go look for their own cell to invade. The host cell usually dies.

8. Virus section of booklet optional

9. Viruses Viruses are tiny pathogens that can invade an organism and cause diseases. They are much smaller than a living cell. Viruses are not considered to be living because they do not carry out several life functions. For example, they cannot Grow and develop Reproduce on their own Take in nutrition and pass waste Respond to their environments Viruses reproduce by injecting their DNA/RNA into a host cell. The viral RNA/DNA then reprograms the host cell’s nucleus so that the host cell uses its own materials to make thousands more of the virus. Once most of the host cell’s material has been used up, the cell membrane bursts and the thousands of new environs (viruses) flood into the blood stream. Interactive notebook 1 Host cell 2 Diseases caused by viruses Colds Flu HIV Hepatitis Viruses attaches to host cell Virus injects its DNA/RNA into the host cell Viral DNA/RNA reprograms the host cell’s DNA to make more of the virus. Once most of the host cell’s material is mostly used up, 1000s of new viruses burst from the dead host cell.

10. Opening/Closing 1.In what way(s) do viruses not meet the qualifications for life? A- Cannot reproduce on their own. B. Cannot take in food or release waste (they don’t “eat.”) C. Do not use energy. D. Cannot respond to their environment. E. Do not grow & develop. 2. If viruses cannot reproduce on their own, how are new viruses created Viruses are able to inject their genetic material into a host cell. Their genetic material (DNA or RNA) reprograms the host cell to use its own materials to produce thousands more of the virus. Questions AND Answers in IN Question Bank

11. Prokaryotes Remember that the prefix pro- means before, and the word “karyote” means “nut” in Latin. Prokaryote literally means “before the nut.” Prokaryotic cells do not have their genetic material contained within a nucleus. The fancy, scienctific way of saying that is, “The DNA of prokaryotic cells is not bound by a plasma membrane.”

12. Kingdom Archaea In 1983, scientists took samples from a spot deep in the Pacific Ocean where hot gases and molten rock boiled into the ocean form the Earth’s interior. To their surprise they discovered unicellular (one cell) organisms in the samples. These organisms are today classified in the kingdom, Archaea. Like bacteria, archaea lack a nucleus.

13. Archaea and bacteria are the only prokaryotic unicellular organisms. When first discovered, archeans were thought to be a type of bacteria. As more was learned about them they were eventually assigned to their own kingdom.

14. Archaea inhabit some of the harshest environments on earth. They have been found living miles below the ocean’s surface near hydrothermal vents where the water temperature can exceed 100 degrees Celsius (212 degrees Fahrenheit)…

15. … and in geothermal hot springs like those found in Yellowstone National Park. The vivid color in these thermal hot springs are a result of trillions of archaea.

16. They have also been found in water that is either highly acidic or that has a very high level of salt (making it impossible for nearly any other type of organism to live there.)

17. These pools in the Danikal Depression region of Ethiopia are full of nearly pure sulfuric acid. But the color demonstrates that archaea live their too-in the acid! http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N-EYTtxsL8g

18. Kingdom Archaea Like bacteria, archaea are microscopic organisms that lack a nucleus. Unicellular organisms that lack a nucleus are called prokaryotes. When first discovered, archeans were thought to be a type of bacteria. As more was learned about them they were eventually assigned to their own kingdom. Archaea inhabit some of the harshest environments on earth. They have been found living miles below the ocean’s surface near hydrothermal vents, in geothermal pools on the surface, in super salty water, and even in natural pools of acid. Interactive Notebook Pages Draw and label a type of environment inhabited by archea.

19. Review 1.Archaea are prokaryotes. What does that mean? Prokaryotes do not have a nucleus. 2. What are some of the harsh environments where archae are able to survive? Deep sea thermal vents; super salty water; geothermal pools; acidic pools. 3. What type of cell is archaea most similar to? Archaea is most similar to bacteria.

20. Bacteria Kingdom Monera Many of us know bacteria only as “germs,” invisible creatures that can invade our bodies and make us sick. Few know that many bacteria not only coexist with us all the time, but help us do an amazing array of useful things like make vitamins, break down some garbage, and even maintain our atmosphere. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tqOVYpkZ0qs

21. Bacteria are so widespread that it is possible only to make the most general statements about their life history and ecology. They may be found on the tops of mountains, the bottom of the deepest oceans, in the guts of animals, and even in the frozen rocks and ice of Antarctica. One feature that has enabled them to spread so far, and last so long is their ability to go dormant for an extended period. Most bacteria require oxygen for their growth and existence. Some bacteria like those living deep in the ocean and in your stomach do not require oxygen.

22. The Kingdom Monera, consists entirely of eu(bacteria) and cyanobacteria (blue-green bacteria.) Bacteria are prokaryotic (no nucleus). Most bacteria are heterotrophic (cannot produce their own food).

23. Blue-green bacteria are autotrophic meaning they are able to produce their own food through photosynthesis. Once upon a time, these tiny single cell organisms were referred to as “blue-green algae” because scientists mistook them for single-cell forms of algae. Algae, as we will learn, are members of the Kingdom Protista and are eukaryotic. Cyanobacteria

24. The greenish tint to this pond is not due to algae like many people think. This body of water is loaded with cyanobacteria. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KzWVHTSaRV0

25. Bacteria come in three primary shapes and can form pairs, clusters, or chains.

26. Review 1.Prokaryotic cells lack this structure_______________ Prokaryotic cells do not have a nucleus. 2. What can cyanobacteria do that eubacteria cannot? Cyanobacteria contain chlorophyll so they are able to make their own food through photosynthesis. 3. Because of the way it appears in bodies of water, cyanobacteria is often mistaken for _____________. Cyanobacteria are often mistaken for algae.

27. Review 1.Archaea are prokaryotes. What does that mean? Prokaryotes do not have a nucleus. 2. What are some of the harsh environments where archae are able to survive? Deep sea thermal vents; super salty water; geothermal pools; acidic pools. 3. What type of cell is archaea most similar to? Archaea is most similar to bacteria. 4. Prokaryotic cells lack this structure_______________ Prokaryotic cells do not have a nucleus. 5. What can cyanobacteria do that eubacteria cannot? Cyanobacteria contain chlorophyll so they are able to make their own food through photosynthesis. 6. Because of the way it appears in bodies of water, cyanobacteria is often mistaken for _____________. Cyanobacteria are often mistaken for algae.

28. Are bacteria our friends or our enemies? Actually, both. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IekdfJ-7Zyk

30. Bacteria are essential to our environment. They are the most important decomposers on the planet. Bacteria break down organic material so that nitrogen and carbon can be returned to the soil where it can then be used by plants. They also “fix” nitrogen in plant roots so the plant can use the nitrogen. The bacteria are able to take nitrogen gas from the air and turn it into a type of liquid or solid nitrogen the plant can use. The little round “nodes” on these roots contain millions of nitrogen fixing bacteria. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4NKGS4bj7cc

31. Some of the other helpful bacteria can Help our bodies to create certain types of important vitamins. Help our stomachs to break down or digest food Help clean up polluted water by eating toxins such as cyanide (from gold mining). Help clean up oil spills be breaking down the major component of oil (hydrocarbons) Used in the food industry to make cheese, yogurt, alcoholic beverages, vinegar, sour dough bread, and other food items or ingredients. Used to treat raw sewage by decomposing the organic material and purifying the water. Used to make artificial snow for ski resorts by promoting the formation of ice crystals at temperatures close to melting Produce powerful medicines. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6FPy5m1-BQI

33. Many bacteria are harmful. Some are able to enter our bodies as infectious agents or pathogens and cause disease. A number of these bacterial diseases can be deadly, especially in poorer developing areas where proper sanitation and medical prevention and treatment are lacking. Some of these infectious bacteria include:

34. Legionionella Pneumophilia Strep Salmonella E-coli Gonorrhea Strep Pneumonia

35. Bacteria that cause severe intestinal disease include: Campylobactor Cholera Diptheria E-coli H. pylori Listeria Salmonella Typhoid Bacteria are responsible for sexually transmitted diseases such as: Clamydia Gonorrhea Syphilis

36. Other diseases than are transmitted or caused by bacterial pathogens include: Yellow Fever Dengue Fever Scarlet Fever Lyme Fever Bubonic Plague Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever Tetanus

37. Antibiotics are a type of medicine that are used to fight bacterial infections. Antibiotics target bacteria in the body by weakening the bacteria’s cell wall. Unfortunately, antibiotics often kill bacteria indiscriminately, meaning they kill good bacteria in our bodies as well as bad bacteria. There is another far more serious problem with bacteria though. Like certain types of virus, bacteria can mutate so that the antibiotics that used to be able to destroy them can no longer harm them. This bacterial resistance has become such a huge problem, that many types of antibiotics have become completely ineffective against fighting a whole host of different bacterial infections or diseases. Since it takes about 10-15 years to develop a new antibiotic, doctors are worried that bacteria are mutating faster than scientists can develop medications to fight them.

38. Kingdom Monera (Bacteria & Cyanobacteria) The Kingdom Monera, consists entirely of eu(bacteria) and cyanobacteria (blue-green bacteria.) Bacteria are prokaryotic (no nucleus). Most bacteria are heterotrophic (cannot produce their own food). Many types of bacteria are important decomposers. They break down organic material so that it can be recycled by the food web. Nitrogen fixing bacteria help change nitrogen gas in our atmosphere into a form of nitrogen plants can use. Most bacteria are harmless to humans. Some are very helpful, like the types of bacteria used to make yogurt or clean up oil spills. Some bacteria can be harmful to humans. They can cause infections or diseases like strep throat, food poisoning, and TB. 4 Main Bacteria Shapes Spherical (cocci) Spiral Rod Shaped (bacilli) These can be single or form clusters or chains. Cyanobacteria Cyano is a bluish-green color. Cyanobacteria contain chlorophyll, so they are able to make their own food through photosynthesis. Antibiotics Antibiotics are medicines specifically designed to fight bacterial infections. Medicines like penicillin and amoxicillin are common antibiotics. Antibiotics will NOT work on viruses. 5

39. If time allows: Bacteria Wanted Poster

40. Review CREW DRILLS- GET FOLDERS. ANSWERS ONLY. 1.Name a food product that either has bacteria in it or required bacteria to make it. cheese, yogurt, alcoholic beverages, vinegar, sour dough bread 2. How do bacteria reproduce? Through a type of cell division called binary fission. 3. Where are nitrogen fixing bacteria found and how do they benefit plants (and therefore all life on earth)? They are found in the soil and on the roots of certain plants like peas, beans, or clover. They help convert nitrogen gas from the air into a type of nitrogen plants can use.

41. 4. Prokaryotic cells lack this structure_______________ Prokaryotic cells do not have a nucleus. 5. What can cyanobacteria do that eubacteria cannot? Cyanobacteria contain chlorophyll so they are able to make their own food through photosynthesis. 6. Because of the way it appears in bodies of water, cyanobacteria is often mistaken for _____________. Cyanobacteria are often mistaken for algae.

42. Bell Ringer Opening/Closing WRITE IN IN QUESTION BANK 1.What are autotrophic organisms able to do that heterotrophic organisms are not? Autotrophs contain chlorophyll. They are able to make their own food through photosynthesis. 2.What are the four ingredients necessary for photosynthesis? Carbon Dioxide, Water, Chlorophyll, Light 3. How do prokaryotes differ from eukaryotes? Prokaryotes do NOT have a nucleus. Eukaryotes do. 4. Which two kingdoms are comprised of only prokaryotic organisms? Archaea & Monera 5. Autotrophs like plants, algae, and cyanobacteria release vast amounts of ________________ into our atmosphere. Oxygen

44. I. Kingdom Protista Protists are the least complex eukaryotic organisms. Most are unicellular. They are larger and more complex than bacteria. They are divided into three categories based on similarities to other, more complex kingdoms: a. Protozoa- animal like protists the prefix proto means “first.” The word zoa or zoo means “animal.” b. Algae- plant like protists c. Slime and Water molds- fungi like protists http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-zsdYOgTbOk

45. A.Protozoa are mostly single cell, animal like protists that are motile (able to move about on their own.) They are heterotrophic, and eat either by engulfing food or by using special hair-like structures to sweep food into a mouth-like opening. If you look closely in the samples of water we will collect, you might see any one of these types of protozoa: 1. Ciliates- Protozoans known as ciliates have hair-like projections (cilia) that allow them to move and feed by sweeping food into a “mouth.” http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4dGzPStaBVs

46. 2. Amoeba- move and feed using pseudopods (false feet)

47. 3. Flagellates- have whip-like projections that are used for movement.

48. A euglena is a rare type of autotrophic protozoan. It moves like similar to the animal-like protozoans and it can feed by scavenging, but it also contains chlorophyll. Any organism that contains chlorophyll can make it’s own food through photosynthesis.

49. Vorticella

50. Campanella

51. Dileptus

52. Bursaria

53. B. Fungi-like protists include slime molds and water molds. They are decomposers that get their nutrition by breaking down organic material. They are generally very colorful and can look like candle wax. Ain’t it puuurty??? http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CIEggUBoivY

54. REview 1.In what primary way do organisms in the Kingdom Protista differ from the members of the Kingdoms Archaea and Monera? Monerans and Archaea are prokaryotes. Protists are eukaryotoes. 2. What does the prefix “proto” mean? early version of 3. What does the prefix/suffix “zoo” or “zoa” mean? animal 4. What does the term “protozoan” refer to? Unicellular, “animal-like” members of the Kingdom Protista. 5. How are protozoans “like” animals? Their cellular structure is very similar to an animal cell. They often behave like animals in the manner in which they obtain food (hunting, grazing, scavenging.) QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS IN INTERACTIVE NOTEBOOK

55. Bell Ringer (Interactive Notebook Questions & Answers) 1. Many types of bacteria are important decomposers. What is the ecological role of decomposers? Decomposers break down dead organisms into microscopic nutrients. The nutrients that are not used directly by the decomposers are used by autotrophs like plants and algae. 2. What important ecological function is carried out by nitrogen-fixing bacteria? The are able to turn nitrogen gas from the atmosphere into a type of nitrogen plants can use. Nitrogen is one of the most important molecules needed in the manufacture of proteins.

56. B. Algae make up the plant-like group of protists. Algae have chlorophyll and are therefore autotrophic. Some are single cell while others are multicellular. Algae are extremely important to our environment because they are one of the most important primary food sources in aquatic environments, and they produce vast amounts of oxygen for our atmosphere through photosynthesis. Photosynthesis song hyperlink http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lDwUVpOEoE4

57. Please get out your Interactive Notebooks. On the next available page in your IN, draw the diagram on the next slide. Please draw the exact diagram this time.

58. Making the food Breaking down the food to release its stored energy. (cellular resp.) glucose Used OR… (ATP) (Heat energy waste.)

59. They also form the base of the food web for aquatic environments. This is similar to the role of plants in terrestrial environments. Algae and plants are called producers because they can “produce” food through photosynthesis. Dinoflagellates and diatoms are types of unicellular algae.

60. Algae are further classified by color and other physical characteristics. 1. Green Algae are mostly unicellular (one-celled). Some are colonial. Some are multi-cellular.They are found in fresh and salt water and in moist areas. They are important primary producers. This Volvox is a type of colonial algae made up of thousands of algae cells that cling together in this spherical shape.

61. Many people think seaweeds are types of marine plants. They are not plants. They are multicellular algae.

63. Sights like this are often blamed on algae. In fact, this greenish water is full of cyanobacteria. Although cyanobacteria are nicknamed blue green algae, they are not really algae.

64. 2. Red Algae and Brown Algae are mostly multicellular. They are the common seaweeds we are familiar with. Some, like kelp, can grow to 100 feet. They have many commercial uses (toothpaste, cosmetics, ice cream, etc.), and are an important food source in Asia. If you eat sushi or sashimi, it is often wrapped in seaweed!

65. Kelp forest in the oceans off the coast of California. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aEIAZ1zRDY0 (10 minutes)

66. 3. Diatoms are unicellular algae that have cell walls made of silica (glass- like.)

67. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H7sACT0Dx0Q Or

68. Over many millions of years, the silica remains of certain diatoms can build up to create such magnificent sights at these cliffs in Dover, England.

70. 4. Dinoflagellate algae are also unicellular. Many are bioluminescent (create their own light chemically). Colonies of dinoflagellates can begin to grow out of control (called blooms) creating a condition known as red tide. Red tide can result in major fish kills. The toxins produced by the dinoflagellates during red tide can also be very dangerous to people who eat seafood that has come from bloom areas.

71. Eukaryotes All organisms whose DNA is contained within a nucleus.

72. Kingdom Protista Protists are the least complex eukaryotic organisms. Most are unicellular. They are larger and more complex than bacteria. They are divided into three categories based on similarities to other, more complex kingdoms: a.Protozoa- animal-like protists b. Algae- plant-like protists Some algae are unicellular like dinoflagellates and diatoms. Some form chains or colonies. Some are multi-cellular, like seaweed. 6 4 c. Slime and Water molds- fungi like protists. Important decomposers. Importance of Algae While all protists have an important role on earth, the role of algae is perhaps the most important. Algae Is the base of the food web for nearly all aquatic environments Keeps carbon dioxide levels in the atmosphere lower by absorbing CO 2 which algae need for photosynthesis. Releases vast amounts of oxygen into the atmosphere. 7

73. Closing Questions (Crew Drills) 1.Algae have two very important roles in supporting life on earth. What are they? 2.In what major way do Monerans and Archaea differ from Protists? 3.What “ingredients are necessary for photosynthesis?

75. Review 1.What does the term unicellular mean? one-cell 2. What does the term prokaryotic mean? Literally it means “before the nut.” It refers to unicellular organisms that lack a nucleus. 3. Organisms that have their genetic material inside a nucleus are referred to as __________________. eukaryotes 4. Which type of prokaryotic, unicellular organism have we already discussed this year?_____________ bacteria 5. Organisms that contain the green pigment__________________ are able to make their own food through the process of photosynthesis. chlorophyll Write questions and answers in question bank.

76. Opening/Closing 6. In what way(s) do viruses not meet the qualifications for life? A- Cannot reproduce on their own. B. Cannot take in food or release waste (they don’t “eat.”) C. Do not use energy. D. Cannot respond to their environment. E. Do not grow & develop. 7. If viruses cannot reproduce on their own, how are new viruses created Viruses are able to inject their genetic material into a host cell. Their genetic material (DNA or RNA) reprograms the host cell to use its own materials to produce thousands more of the virus. Questions AND Answers in IN Question Bank

77. Review 8. Archaea are prokaryotes. What does that mean? Prokaryotes do not have a nucleus. 9. What are some of the harsh environments where archae are able to survive? Deep sea thermal vents; super salty water; geothermal pools; acidic pools. 10. What type of cell is archaea most similar to? Archaea is most similar to bacteria.

78. Review 11. Prokaryotic cells lack this structure_______________ Prokaryotic cells do not have a nucleus. 12. What can cyanobacteria do that eubacteria cannot? Cyanobacteria contain chlorophyll so they are able to make their own food through photosynthesis. 13. Because of the way it appears in bodies of water, cyanobacteria is often mistaken for _____________. Cyanobacteria are often mistaken for algae.

79. Review CREW DRILLS- GET FOLDERS. ANSWERS ONLY. 14. Name a food product that either has bacteria in it or required bacteria to make it. cheese, yogurt, alcoholic beverages, vinegar, sour dough bread 15. How do bacteria reproduce? Through a type of cell division called binary fission. 16. Where are nitrogen fixing bacteria found and how do they benefit plants (and therefore all life on earth)? They are found in the soil and on the roots of certain plants like peas, beans, or clover. They help convert nitrogen gas from the air into a type of nitrogen plants can use.

80. Bell Ringer Opening/Closing WRITE IN IN QUESTION BANK 17. What are autotrophic organisms able to do that heterotrophic organisms are not? Autotrophs contain chlorophyll. They are able to make their own food through photosynthesis. 18. What are the four ingredients necessary for photosynthesis? Carbon Dioxide, Water, Chlorophyll, Light 19. How do prokaryotes differ from eukaryotes? Prokaryotes do NOT have a nucleus. Eukaryotes do. 20. Which two kingdoms are comprised of only prokaryotic organisms? Archaea & Monera 21. Autotrophs like plants, algae, and cyanobacteria release vast amounts of ________________ into our atmosphere. Oxygen

81. REview 22. In what primary way do organisms in the Kingdom Protista differ from the members of the Kingdoms Archaea and Monera? Monerans and Archaea are prokaryotes. Protists are eukaryotoes. 23. What does the prefix “proto” mean? early version of 24. What does the prefix/suffix “zoo” or “zoa” mean? animal 25. What does the term “protozoan” refer to? Unicellular, “animal-like” members of the Kingdom Protista. 26. How are protozoans “like” animals? Their cellular structure is very similar to an animal cell. They often behave like animals in the manner in which they obtain food (hunting, grazing, scavenging.) QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS IN INTERACTIVE NOTEBOOK

82. Bell Ringer 27. Many types of bacteria are important decomposers. What is the ecological role of decomposers? Decomposers break down dead organisms into microscopic nutrients. The nutrients that are not used directly by the decomposers are used by autotrophs like plants and algae. 28. What important ecological function is carried out by nitrogen-fixing bacteria? The are able to turn nitrogen gas from the atmosphere into a type of nitrogen plants can use. Nitrogen is one of the most important molecules needed in the manufacture of proteins.

83. Review 29. How are protists different from bacteria? They are larger, more complex, and contain a nucleus. 30. How are algae different from most other types of protists? They contain chlorophyll so they are able to make their own food through photosynthesis. 31. Cyanobacteria and algae are both autotrophs. What can autotrophs do that heterotrophic organisms cannot do? ALL autotrophs contain chlorophyll so they are able to make their own food through photosynthesis. Plants are also autotrophs. 32. Seaweed is a type of multi-cellular _________________ Seaweed is a type of multi-cellular algae.

84. 33. The structures shown in this image are a.Types of aquatic plants b.Types of multi-cellular algae c.Both plants and algae

85. 34. What four “ingredients are necessary for photosynthesis? Light, water, carbon dioxide, and chlorophyll. 35. Algae have two very important roles in supporting life on earth. What are they? a. Algae are at the base of the food chain in nearly every aquatic or marine environment. b. Algae produce vast amounts of oxygen for our atmosphere (remember that one of the waste products released by plants and algae following photosynthesis is OXYGEN.)