Editing Coccolithophore (section)

=== Function ===
While the exact function of the coccosphere is unclear, many potential functions have been proposed.  Most obviously coccoliths may protect the phytoplankton from predators. It also appears that it helps them to create a more stable [[pH]]. During photosynthesis carbon dioxide is removed from the water, making it more basic. Also calcification removes carbon dioxide, but chemistry behind it leads to the opposite pH reaction; it makes the water more acidic. The combination of photosynthesis and calcification therefore even out each other regarding pH changes.<ref>{{cite web| url = https://theconversation.com/microscopic-marine-plants-bioengineer-their-environment-to-enhance-their-own-growth-63355| title = Microscopic marine plants bioengineer their environment to enhance their own growth - The Conversation| date = 2 August 2016}}</ref> In addition, these exoskeletons may confer an advantage in energy production, as coccolithogenesis seems highly coupled with photosynthesis. Organic precipitation of calcium carbonate from bicarbonate solution produces free carbon dioxide directly within the cellular body of the alga, this additional source of gas is then available to the Coccolithophore for photosynthesis.  It has been suggested that they may provide a cell-wall like barrier to isolate intracellular chemistry from the marine environment.<ref name=Westbroek1983>{{citation |journal=Ecological Bulletins |year=1983 |pages= 291–299 |title=Calcification in Coccolithophoridae: Wasteful or Functional? |first=P.|last=Westbroek|display-authors=etal}}</ref> More specific, defensive properties of coccoliths may include protection from osmotic changes, chemical or mechanical shock, and short-wavelength light.<ref name=Jordan2012>{{citation |journal=eLS |year=2012|title=Haptophyta |last=Jordan |first=R.W. |doi=10.1002/9780470015902.a0001981.pub2 |isbn=978-0470016176}}</ref> It has also been proposed that the added weight of multiple layers of coccoliths allows the organism to sink to lower, more nutrient rich layers of the water and conversely, that coccoliths add buoyancy, stopping the cell from sinking to dangerous depths.<ref name=Irie2010>{{citation |journal=PLOS ONE |volume=5 |issue=10 |pages=e13436 |year=2010 |title=Increasing costs due to ocean acidification drives phytoplankton to be more heavily calcified: optimal growth strategy of coccolithophores |first=Takahiro|last=Irie |doi=10.1371/journal.pone.0013436|display-authors=etal|bibcode = 2010PLoSO...513436I |pmid=20976167 |pmc=2955539|doi-access=free }}</ref> Coccolith appendages have also been proposed to serve several functions, such as inhibiting grazing by zooplankton.<ref name=Young2009 />