Blue-green Algae Overview

A group of prokaryotic organisms lacking a nucleus, also called cyanobacteria, characterized by cell walls of mucoprotein and polysaccharides, and possessing pigments like chlorophyll a, carotenoids, phycocyanin, and phycoerythrin.

The kingdom to which blue-green algae belong due to their prokaryotic nature and lack of membrane-bound organelles.

Cells lacking a membrane-bound nucleus and other membrane-bound organelles (like mitochondria, Golgi bodies, and plastids).

The process where blue-green algae use chlorophyll a to convert light energy into a carbohydrate called glycogen.

The primary method of reproduction in blue-green algae, involving binary fission, multiple fission (forming endospores and hormogonia), and lacking true sexual reproduction.

Cell walls are composed of layers of mucoprotein, polysaccharides, and lipopolysaccharides, unlike the cellulose found in plant cells.

Include chlorophyll a, carotenoids, phycocyanin (blue), and phycoerythrin (red). These give range of colors.

A feature of some filamentous blue-green algae—a row of cells sheathed by a common outer layer.

Asexual reproductive structures formed within some blue-green algae cells during unfavorable conditions, offering protection during harsh times.

Blue-green algae can grow in diverse environments, from snow and ice to hot springs, desert soils, and even inside other organisms like amoebas and diatoms.

Certain blue-green algae form symbiotic relationships with other organisms, such as growing in the roots of Cycads or leaves of Azolla, like nitrogen-fixing bacteria in legumes.

Blue-green algae reproduce asexually, primarily through fission or fragmentation into hormogonia.

Oscillatoria is a common blue-green algae that grows in filaments found in lakes, ponds, and moist soil.

Oscillatoria filaments exhibit an undulating movement. Cells divide transversely to form filaments.

Short pieces formed during fragmentation, and are a mode of asexual reproduction in Oscillatoria.

A genus of blue-green algae (cyanobacteria) found in freshwater, often as colonies or attached to surfaces like rocks and tree trunks.

Nostoc are filamentous, unbranched algae found in colonies (like plums or eggs) embedded in a jelly-like matrix. Filaments are chains of cells (trichomes), some of which differentiate into specialized heterocysts for nitrogen fixation.

Specialized cells in Nostoc filaments that carry out nitrogen fixation.

Nostoc reproduces asexually by spore formation, and also vegetatively through fragmentation of filaments.

Conversion of atmospheric nitrogen into usable compounds by Nostoc and Anabaena, aiding plant growth.

The presence of Nostoc and similar algae benefits rice paddies, contributing to their fertility due to nitrogen fixation.

Protects Nostoc colonies, made of polysaccharides and proteins. It absorbs and retains water.

Nostoc reproduces asexually by forming resting spores called akinetes. Some cells thicken their walls to store food and become resistant to harsh conditions.

Nostoc also reproduces by forming special cells called heterocysts. These separate from the filament, divide, and grow into new filaments.

Nostoc is important for nitrogen fixation. It enriches paddy fields and increases soil nutrients.

Nostoc is consumed as food in some Asian countries and is a rich source of protein and vitamin C.

Some Nostoc species produce chemicals like polyhydroxy butyrate (a precursor to plastics), making them potentially useful in industry.

Cyanobacteria like Nostoc can convert carbon dioxide into biofuels.

Nostoc have demonstrated the ability to produce hydrogen from a biological source.

Nostoc can be used to clean wastewater and remove contaminants from the environment.

Oscillatoria is a unibranched filamentous alga containing a single trichome per filament; its cells have a prokaryotic organization.

The Oscillatoria cell wall is primarily composed of mucopeptide.

Oscillatoria is commonly found in freshwater environments like ponds, streams, and drains, as well as damp soil.