Using Zebrafish to Understand How Blood and Lymphatic Vessels Develop
Introduction

Emiliania Huxleyi Algae – Powerful Carbon Dioxide Regulators

This year’s first prize of the ZEISS Microscopy Image Contest was awarded to Alicia González Segura (middle), Dolores Molina Fernández (left) and Isabel Sánchez Almazo (right) from the Centro de Instrumentación Científica at the University of Granada (Spain) for their visually stunning image of Emiliania huxleyi coccospheres. This alga is considered a ubiquitous species found in almost all ocean ecosystems from the equator to sub-polar regions, and from nutrient rich upwelling zones to nutrient poor oligotrophic waters.

ZEISS Microscopy Image Contest winners: Alicia González Segura (middle), Dolores Molina Fernández (left) and Isabel Sánchez Almazo (right) from the Centro de Instrumentación Científica at the University of Granada (Spain)

ZEISS Microscopy Image Contest 2021 winners: Alicia González Segura (middle), Dolores Molina Fernández (left) and Isabel Sánchez Almazo (right) from the Centro de Instrumentación Científica at the University of Granada (Spain)

Studying Phytoplankton Biodiversity

This microphotograph was obtained during a study of phytoplankton biodiversity from the Alboran Sea in the Western Mediterranean, with particular emphasis on the life cycle of Emiliania huxleyi, which is probably the most abundant eukaryotic microorganism in the oceans. These phytoplanktonic organisms play a major role in the regulation of atmospheric CO2 , ocean acidification and the global carbon cycle. They are omnipresent and critical to life on earth.

Coccoliths are well preserved in sedimentary rocks, where they have been used as age indicators. Furthermore, the distribution and geochemistry of these microorganisms can be used in paleoclimatic studies.

Interview

How does this image fit in to your research?

This microphotograph was obtained in the framework of a study on phytoplankton biodiversity from the Alboran Sea in the Western Mediterranean, with particular emphasis on the life cycle of  Emiliania huxleyi, which is probably the most abundant eukaryotic microorganism in the oceans. These phytoplanktonic organisms play a major role in the regulation of atmospheric CO2, ocean acidification and the global carbon cycle. They are omnipresent and critical to life on earth.

Coccoliths are well preserved in sedimentary rocks, where they have been used as age indicators. Furthermore, the distribution and geochemistry of these microorganisms can be used in paleoclimatic studies.

People devoted illustrating science are always challenged to make it eye-catching and understandable. It is necessary to look beyond the images to see what is really significant.

Alicia González Segura | Centro de Instrumentación Científica at the University of Granada (Spain)

Emiliania Huxleyi

The image was taken with a ZEISS GeminiSEM field emission scanning electron microscope. The sample was prepared with critical point, in order to get perfect observation and characterization of the diploid phase of this alga.

  • First Prize Image: Emiliania huxleyi phytoplankton

    First Prize Image: Emiliania huxleyi phytoplankton, acquired with a ZEISS GeminiSEM field emission scanning electron microscope. Courtesy: A. González Segura, D. Molina Fernández and I. Sánchez Almazo, University of Granada, Spain

The most outstanding feature of the image is the perfect exposure of the nanostructure of the coccoliths and how they fit to form the three-dimensional appearance of the coccospheres.

Alicia González Segura | Centro de Instrumentación Científica at the University of Granada (Spain)


Share this article