Final answer:
Protists play a significant role in capturing and storing carbon compounds in aquatic ecosystems, serving as producers and nutrition sources for other organisms.
Step-by-step explanation:
Protists play a significant role in capturing and storing carbon compounds in aquatic ecosystems. They are important producers in the food chain and are consumed directly or serve as nutrition for other organisms. Some protists also have symbiotic relationships with other organisms, providing them with nutrients and energy.