Abstract
Microalgae are an extremely diverse group of (mainly) photosynthetic organisms which are divided into two domains/superkingdoms (Bacteria and Eukaryota). The Eukaryota include the “supergroups” Archaeplastida (Glaucophyta, Rhodophyceae, Chloroplastida), Chromalveolata (Cryptophyceae, Haptophyta, Stramenopiles, Alveolata), Rhizaria (Chlorachniophyta), and Excavata (Euglenozoa). Microalgae can be found in almost all habitats on Earth including oceans, rivers, lakes, salt lakes, and soil, and as symbionts in various invertebrates. This evolutionary diversity is further reflected in the wide variety of compounds produced by microalgae, which make these organisms attractive for bioprospecting as new sources of biomolecules and for their application in various processes...