Zooxanthellae

Zooxanthellae are photosynthetic dinoflagellates that live inside the cells of corals and other marine organisms. Their photosynthesis supplies hosts with organic carbon, while hosts provide nutrients and shelter.

Coral–algal symbiosis: A mutualistic association in which photosynthetic algae live within coral tissues and exchange resources with their hosts. Zooxanthellae are the algal partners at the center of this relationship.
Dinoflagellate: A diverse group of mostly single-celled eukaryotes, many of which possess two flagella and distinctive cell coverings. Zooxanthellae are dinoflagellates, not a separate taxonomic group.
Coral reef: A marine ecosystem built largely from the calcium-carbonate skeletons of reef-forming corals. Zooxanthellae help sustain the coral growth that builds many reefs.
Kleptoplasty: The retention of functional chloroplasts acquired from prey by an organism that cannot produce them itself. Unlike zooxanthellae, retained chloroplasts can function without an intact algal partner.
Photosynthesis: The process by which organisms use light energy to convert carbon dioxide and water into organic compounds. Zooxanthellae use light to produce carbon compounds that can support their hosts.
Endosymbiosis: A relationship in which one organism lives inside the body or cells of another. Zooxanthellae inhabit host cells rather than merely living nearby.
Coral aquaculture: The controlled cultivation of corals for research, conservation, restoration, or the aquarium trade. Cultivated corals depend on suitable algal partners for healthy growth.
Lichen: A stable association between a fungus and a photosynthetic alga or cyanobacterium. Lichens also pair photosynthesis with a host, but involve fungi rather than corals.
Coral bleaching: The loss of symbiotic algae or their pigments from coral tissue, often causing corals to appear white. Stress can disrupt the partnership and cause corals to lose zooxanthellae.
Coral: A marine invertebrate in the class Anthozoa, often forming colonies of genetically identical polyps. Reef-building corals are among the best-known hosts of zooxanthellae.

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