Cyanobacteria

Definition

Cyanobacteria are a group of photosynthetic, gram-negative bacteria found in various aquatic environments. They play a significant role in oxygen production and nitrogen fixation.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Cyanobacteria are also known as blue-green algae, although they are not true algae.
2. They perform oxygenic photosynthesis, producing oxygen as a byproduct.
3. Some cyanobacteria can fix atmospheric nitrogen into usable forms for other organisms.
4. These microorganisms can form harmful algal blooms under nutrient-rich conditions.
5. Cyanobacteria have specialized cells called heterocysts that assist in nitrogen fixation.

Review Questions

• What is the primary function of heterocysts in cyanobacteria?
• How do cyanobacteria contribute to the Earth's oxygen levels?
• What environmental conditions can lead to harmful algal blooms caused by cyanobacteria?

Related terms

Photosynthesis:

The process by which green plants and some microorganisms use sunlight to synthesize foods with the aid of chlorophyll.

Nitrogen Fixation:

The conversion of atmospheric nitrogen into a form that plants and other organisms can utilize.

Gram-Negative Bacteria: A category of bacteria that do not retain crystal violet stain used in the Gram staining method.