The ancient, microscopic engine driving our planet's oxygen and life

Penny Chisholm: The tiny creature that secretly powers the planet · 16:33 · Video: TED · Watch at the source

In short: Meet Prochlorococcus, a tiny marine microbe that is the most abundant photosynthetic species on Earth. Oceanographer Penny Chostim explains how this ancient organism has thrived for billions of years and why its genetic secrets might help us move away from fossil fuels.

Despite its massive global impact, Prochlorococcus remained undiscovered until the mid-1980s. This marine microbe is a powerhouse of photosynthesis, and its ancient genetic code may provide essential insights into reducing our global dependence on fossil fuels.

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