Algae are eukaryotic, photosynthetic microorganisms that contain chlorophyll a and generate oxygen through photosynthesis. They have nuclei and exist as microscopic cells. Nitrogen fixation provides nitrogen fertilizer for plants in the forms of ammonia and nitrates, but only 30-50% is taken up by plants, with the remainder metabolized by soil microbes through nitrification and denitrification processes that release nitrous oxide and pollute waterways.