Extending the results of laboratory experiments on the interactions between turbulence and phyto- and zooplankton to in situ situations requires great skills. Large scale numerical simulations coupled with observations from laboratory experiments in grid turbulence are an appropriate approach for increasing our fundamental understanding of plankton - turbulence interactions. This `digital´ approach permits a detailed examination of the flow experienced by individual particles in turbulence. Since zooplankters and algae react mainly to flow conditions within their surrounding water volume, the knowledge gained from this combined approach of simulation and experimentation can be extended to in situ situations.