A recent study has unearthed some amazing findings about the symbiotic relationship between diatoms and bacteria in the world’s oceans. This symbiotic relationship has been known for some time, but now we have a much deeper understanding of how it works. The study, conducted by a team of scientists from the University of California, Santa Cruz, focused on a particular type of bacterium called Alteromonas luteoviolacea that lives in the gills of diatoms. The scientists discovered that these bacteria are able to provide diatoms with nitrogen and other essential nutrients, and in return, the diatoms provide the bacteria with shelter and protection from predators. This mutualistic relationship helps to keep the ocean’s ecosystem in balance and allows both species to thrive.

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source: Phys.org