Microcystis
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| Lemmermann , 1907 |
Microcystis is a genus from the tribe of cyanobacteria (blue-green algae).
description
Microcystis forms aggregates of many cells embedded in gelatin up to a size of more than 1 mm . The jelly is spherical to irregularly shaped and not stratified. The cells are colored blue-green to olive-green and have a spherical shape. They reach a size of 1 to 9 µm. As in all bacteria, there are no nuclei and no plastids in the cells . The cells usually contain so-called gas vacuoles. These are cavities filled with air and surrounded by a special protein membrane . By building up and breaking down these vacuoles, the cells can change their density, which enables them to float in the free water column of lakes.
Reproduction
The asexual reproduction is done by cell division . The planes of division in successive divisions are arranged perpendicular to one another. Aggregates can also fragment.
Sexual reproduction does not occur in cyanobacteria.
distribution
Microcystis lives in the plankton of smaller and larger standing water. The species sometimes forms algal blooms .
Types (selection)
- Microcystis aeruginosa
- Microcystis botrys
- Microcystis leavens
- Microcystis parasitica
- Microcystis thermalis
swell
- Karl-Heinz Linne von Berg, Michael Melkonian u. a .: The Kosmos algae guide. The most important freshwater algae under the microscope. Kosmos, Stuttgart 2004, ISBN 3-440-09719-6 .
Web links
- Microcystis on algaebase.org
- Images of Micocystis