ABSTRACT
Basic features of marine microalgae and other marine microorganisms as well as corals in the marine environment have been discussed in Chapter 2. In view of the symbiotic associations among many of these organisms, it is apt to discuss marine microalgae, bacteria, and corals in one chapter. The importance of these organisms with respect to their functions as food and bioactive compounds is discussed in this chapter. Although corals will be covered in this chapter, their potential role as sources of drugs and other pharmaceutical products will be highlighted in Chapter 12.
