Mixotrophic plankton foraging behaviour linked to carbon export

Marine mixotrophic protists that use both heterotrophic and phototrophic metabolisms may impact the carbon cycle in unexpected ways. A recently characterized mixotroph can craft three-dimensional mucilage feeding structures that trap nutrient-rich plankton prey and contribute to the sinking of carbon from the surface ocean.

Automated summary

Marine mixotrophic protists with the ability to utilize heterotrophic and phototrophic metabolisms can affect the carbon cycle in unexpected ways. A recently discovered mixotroph can create three-dimensional mucilage feeding structures to trap nutrient-rich plankton prey, contributing to the sinking of carbon from the surface ocean.