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Cyanobacteria
| Definition: |
A subgroup of the oxygenic photosynthetic bacteria comprised of unicellular to multicellular photosynthetic bacteria possessing CHLOROPHYLL a and carrying out oxygenic PHOTOSYNTHESIS. Cyanobacteria are the only known organisms capable of fixing both CARBON DIOXIDE (in the presence of light) and NITROGEN. Formerly called blue-green algae, cyanobacteria were traditionally treated as ALGAE. By the late 20th century, however, it was realized that the blue-green algae were unique and lacked the traditional NUCLEUS and CHLOROPLASTS of the green and other algae. The comparison of nucleotide base sequence data from 16S and 5S rRNA indicates that cyanobacteria represent a moderately deep phylogenetic unit within the GRAM-NEGATIVE BACTERIA. |
| Notes: |
from Greek cyano-, blue; common genera: ANABAENA, Tolypothrix, Plectonema; do not confuse X ref CYANOPHYCEAE with CYANOPHORA see ALGAE |
| Previously Indexed: |
Algae (1966-1969) |
Cyanobacteria Categories.
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Anabaena - A genus of CYANOBACTERIA consisting of trichomes that are untapered with conspicuous constrictions at cross-walls. A firm individual sheath is absent, but a soft covering is often present. Many species are known worldwide as major components of freshwater plankton and also of many saline lakes. The species Anabaena flos-aquae is responsible for acute poisonings of various animals. |
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Synechococcus Group - Unicellular, coccoid to rod-shaped CYANOBACTERIA that divide by binary fission in a single plane. Their cells lack structured sheaths and range in diameter from 0.3 to 2.3 microns. These organisms are isolated from freshwater, marine, and hot spring environments. By examining morphological, physiological, and chemical properties it has been possible to subdivide this group into six "strain clusters". These clusters are equivalent to genera but have not been formalized. |
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Synechocystis Group - Unicellular CYANOBACTERIA that divide by binary fission in two or three successive planes at right angles to one another. Typically, the cells occur singly or in pairs. These organisms are isolated from freshwater and seawater environments. By examining morphological, physiological, and chemical properties it has been possible to subdivide this group into four "strain clusters". These clusters are equivalent to genera but have not been formalized. |
Cyanobacteria Definitions and Terms
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