10 Haptophytes

Haptophyte algae—also known as prymnesiophytes—are most numerous and diverse in marine waters. Most haptophytes are unicellular, and many species are flagellate, though many others lack flagella and some produce filamentous stages. Haptophytes play important roles in global biogeochemistry and in the food webs of both natural and aquaculture systems. In biotechnology, emerging genomic information for haptophytes offers the promise of new ways to achieve crystal microfabrication. This chapter begins with a brief overview of haptophyte relationships and continues with a consideration of haptophyte cell structure, photosynthetic pigments, and reproduction. These topics serve as the basis for a closer focus on ecological issues and diversity.