Many of these cells, especially cyanobacteria, are too small to be captured and consumed by small crustaceans and planktonic larvae. Instead, these cells are consumed by phagotrophic protists which are readily consumed by larger organisms. Viruses can infect and break open bacterial cells and (to a lesser extent), planktonic algae (a.k.a.
Many of these microscopic organisms, especially cyanobacteria, are too small for small crustaceans and planktonic larvae to consume. Instead, they are eaten by phagotrophic protists that are then consumed by larger organisms. Viruses can also infect bacterial cells and (to a lesser extent) some planktonic algae.