Beakers in Lab (IMAGE) Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution Caption Finding the right laboratory conditions to culture phytoplankton can be challenging. Phytoplankton are mostly microscopic, single-celled photosynthetic organisms that live suspended in water. Like land plants, they take up carbon dioxide, make carbohydrates using light energy, and release oxygen. They are what is known as primary producers of the ocean -- the organisms that form the base of the food chain. Credit Photo by Tracy Mincer, Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution Usage Restrictions For news purposes only License Licensed content Disclaimer: AAAS and EurekAlert! are not responsible for the accuracy of news releases posted to EurekAlert! by contributing institutions or for the use of any information through the EurekAlert system.