Aphanizomenon | |
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Aphanizomenon flos-aquae | |
Scientific 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.