Cyanobacteria

Definition

Cyanobacteria are a phylum of bacteria that obtain their energy through photosynthesis. They are often referred to as 'blue-green algae' due to their color and aquatic habitats.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Cyanobacteria are prokaryotic organisms, meaning they lack a membrane-bound nucleus.
2. They play a crucial role in nitrogen fixation, converting atmospheric nitrogen into forms usable by plants.
3. Some cyanobacteria can produce harmful toxins, posing risks to both aquatic life and humans.
4. Stromatolites, which are layered sedimentary formations, are created by the activity of cyanobacteria over geological timescales.
5. The presence of cyanobacteria is believed to have contributed significantly to the Great Oxygenation Event approximately 2.4 billion years ago.

Review Questions

• What type of energy production process do cyanobacteria utilize?
• How do cyanobacteria contribute to nutrient cycles in aquatic ecosystems?
• What significant historical event is associated with the activity of cyanobacteria?

Related terms

Prokaryote: Organisms that lack a membrane-bound nucleus and other organelles.

Nitrogen Fixation: The process by which certain microbes convert atmospheric nitrogen into ammonia, making it available for plants.

Stromatolites: Layered structures formed by the trapping and binding of sediment by microbial mats, primarily cyanobacteria.