Aphanizomenon

Aphanizomenon
Aphanizomenon flos-aquae
Scientific classification Edit this classification
Domain: Bacteria
Phylum: Cyanobacteria
Class: Cyanophyceae
Order: Nostocales
Family: Aphanizomenonaceae
Genus: Aphanizomenon
A.Morren ex Bornet & Flahault, 1888
Species

Aphanizomenon flos-aquae Aphanizomenon gracile Aphanizomenon issatschenkoi Aphanizomenon ovalisporum

Aphanizomenon is a genus of cyanobacteria that inhabits freshwater lakes and can cause dense blooms. They are unicellular organisms that consolidate into linear (non-branching) chains called trichomes. Parallel trichomes can then further unite into aggregates called rafts.[1] Cyanobacteria such as Aphanizomenon are known for using photosynthesis to create energy and therefore use sunlight as their energy source.[2] Aphanizomenon bacteria also play a big role in the Nitrogen cycle since they can perform nitrogen fixation. Studies on the species Aphanizomenon flos-aquae have shown that it can regulate buoyancy through light-induced changes in turgor pressure.[3] It is also able to move by means of gliding, though the specific mechanism by which this is possible is not yet known.

  1. ^ "Phycokey - Aphanizomenon". cfb.unh.edu. Retrieved 2021-04-22.
  2. ^ "Life History and Ecology of Cyanobacteria". ucmp.berkeley.edu. Retrieved 2021-04-27.
  3. ^ Konopka, A.; T. D. Brock; A. E. Walsby (1978). "Buoyancy regulation by planktonic blue-green algae in Lake Mendota, Wisconsin". Arch. Hydrobiol. 83: 524–537.