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Related Concept Videos

Bacterial Phylum Cyanobacteria01:30

Bacterial Phylum Cyanobacteria

Cyanobacteria are a diverse group of oxygenic, phototrophic bacteria that played a pivotal role in converting Earth’s atmosphere from anoxic to oxygen-rich billions of years ago. They exhibit remarkable morphological diversity, ranging from unicellular forms to filamentous types, with cell sizes varying between 0.5 μm and 100 μm. Cyanobacteria are classified into five groups: Chroococcales (unicellular, dividing by binary fission), Pleurocapsales (unicellular, dividing by multiple fission),...
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Anoxygenic phototrophic bacteria are a diverse group of microorganisms that perform photosynthesis without producing oxygen. They primarily include purple sulfur bacteria, purple nonsulfur bacteria, green sulfur bacteria, and green nonsulfur bacteria. These bacteria are classified into the Gammaproteobacteria, Alphaproteobacteria, Betaproteobacteria, Chlorobi, and Chloroflexi lineages, each with distinct physiological and ecological adaptations.Purple sulfur bacteria belong to the...
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Prokaryotic cells possess a variety of inclusions that play crucial roles in nutrient storage, metabolic processes, and environmental adaptation. These structures enable bacteria to thrive under fluctuating environmental conditions by storing essential resources and optimizing their metabolic efficiency.Carbon Storage: Poly-β-Hydroxybutyric Acid and Glycogen GranulesBacteria frequently store excess carbon in specialized granules. Poly-β-hydroxybutyric acid (PHB) granules are lipid polymers that...
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Anoxygenic Photosynthesis

Anoxygenic photosynthesis is a phototrophic process that captures light energy to drive carbon fixation without producing molecular oxygen. Unlike oxygenic photosynthesis, which utilizes water as an electron donor and releases oxygen, anoxygenic phototrophs use alternative electron donors such as hydrogen sulfide (H₂S), elemental sulfur (S⁰), or thiosulfate (S₂O₃²⁻). This process is carried out by diverse groups of bacteria, including purple bacteria, green sulfur bacteria, heliobacteria, and...
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Microbial competition is an ecological interaction in which microorganisms vie for limited resources within shared environments. These resources may include nutrients, space, or light, depending on the system. The intensity and outcome of competition are influenced by the environmental context, such as nutrient availability, spatial constraints, and the diversity of microbial species present. These competitive interactions significantly influence the structure, function, and resilience of...
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Generation of Marked and Markerless Mutants in Model Cyanobacterial Species
11:45

Generation of Marked and Markerless Mutants in Model Cyanobacterial Species

Published on: May 29, 2016

Cyanobacterial heterocysts.

Krithika Kumar1, Rodrigo A Mella-Herrera, James W Golden

  • 1Department of Biology, Texas A&M University, College Station, 77843, USA.

Cold Spring Harbor Perspectives in Biology
|May 11, 2010
PubMed
Summary
This summary is machine-generated.

Multicellular cyanobacteria like Anabaena develop specialized nitrogen-fixing heterocysts. This article reviews recent research on heterocyst development, pattern formation, and intercellular transport in these vital cells.

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Last Updated: Jun 13, 2026

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08:25

Genetic Modification of Cyanobacteria by Conjugation Using the CyanoGate Modular Cloning Toolkit

Published on: October 31, 2019

Area of Science:

  • Microbiology
  • Cell Biology
  • Biochemistry

Background:

  • Multicellular cyanobacteria form specialized cells called heterocysts for nitrogen fixation.
  • Anabaena (Nostoc) sp. strain PCC 7120 exhibits a patterned arrangement of heterocysts along its filaments during diazotrophic growth.
  • Heterocyst structure and function are adapted for oxygen-sensitive nitrogenase activity.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review recent advancements in understanding heterocyst development in multicellular cyanobacteria.
  • To highlight key research areas including morphogenesis, intercellular transport, gene expression, and pattern formation.
  • To provide insights into the regulation and maintenance of heterocyst patterns.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review of recent research on heterocyst development.
  • Analysis of studies on Anabaena (Nostoc) sp. strain PCC 7120.
  • Focus on molecular and cellular mechanisms underlying heterocyst differentiation and patterning.

Main Results:

  • Recent research has elucidated complex mechanisms governing heterocyst morphogenesis.
  • Intercellular transport systems facilitate nutrient and signal exchange within cyanobacterial filaments.
  • Differential gene expression plays a crucial role in establishing and maintaining heterocyst patterns.
  • Pattern formation involves intricate signaling pathways ensuring proper spacing of heterocysts.

Conclusions:

  • Heterocyst development is a highly regulated process essential for nitrogen fixation in cyanobacteria.
  • Understanding these developmental pathways offers insights into microbial development and metabolic specialization.
  • Continued research is vital for fully deciphering the molecular basis of heterocyst pattern formation and function.