Academic literature on the topic 'Anabaena/Nostoc'

<p>Nitrogen concentration is an essential parameter in cyanobacterial cultures to produce enriched biomass with agricultural purposes. Growth and biochemical composition of Nostoc LAUN0015,Nostoc UAM206, Anabaena sp.1 and Anabaena sp.2 was compared at 0, 4.25, 8.5 and 17 mM NaNO3. Cultures under laboratory conditions were maintained for 30 days at a volume of 500 mL. Anabaenasp.1 yielded the highest value of dry mass of 0.26 ± 2.49 mg mL-1 at 8.5 mM NaNO3. For chlorophyll, phycocyanin and phycoerythrin were achieved maximum values at 17 mM NaNO3 with 18.09 ± 1.74, 102.90 ± 6.73 and 53.47 ± 2.40 μg mL-1, respectively. Nostoc LAUN0015 produced its maximum value of protein 644.86 ± 19.77 μg mL-1, and 890 mg mL-1 of carbohydrates in the absence of nitrogen. This comparative study shows that the most efficient strain for the production of protein, carbohydrates and lipids in diazotrophic conditions corresponded to Nostoc LAUN0015. However, Anabaena sp.1 and Anabaena sp.2 required high concentrations of nitrogen to achieve higher values of metabolites, comparing with Nostoc strains. Nitrogen dependence for the production of pigments and high protein production in strains of Anabaena and in diazotrophic conditions for Nostoc was demonstrated. Nostoc can be cultured under nitrogen deficiency andAnabaena in sufficiency, for mass production of biomass with good nutritional profile.</p>

Cyanobacteria are prokaryotic photosynthetic communities which are used in biofertilization of many plants especially rice plant. Cyanobacteria play a vital role to increase the plant's ability for salinity tolerance. Salinity is a worldwide problem which affects the growth and productivity of crops. In this work three cyanobacteria strains (Nostoc calcicola, Anabaena variabilis, and Nostoc linkia) were isolated from saline soil at Kafr El-Sheikh Governorate; North Egypt. The propagated cyanobacteria strains were used to withstand salinity of the soil and increase rice plant growth (Giza 178). The length of roots and shoot seedlings was measured for seven and forty days of cultivation, respectively. The results of this investigation showed that the inoculation with Nostoc calcicola, Anabaena variabilis, and Nostoc linkia increased root length by 27.0, 4.0, 3.0 % and 39, 20, 19 % in EC5 and 10 (ds/m), respectively. Similarly, they increased shoot length by 121, 70, 55 %, 116, 88, 82 % in EC5 and 10 (ds/m), respectively. In EC15and more concentrations, control rice plants could not grow while those to which cyanobacteria were inoculated could withstand only EC15 but not other elevated concentrations. These results encourage using Nostoc calcicola,Anabaena variabilis, and Nostoc linkia as biofertilizer for rice plant in the saline soil for increasing growth and decrease soil electrical conductivity.

The study was aimed to determine the chronic toxicity of Polynuclear aromatic hydrocarbon – Anthracene in response to pigments and metabolic study on three different cyanobacterial species such as Synechocystis sp., Anabaena fertilissima, and Nostoc muscorum. Test organisms were treated at different doses and encountered LC50/Mean Lethal Concentration (at which 50% lethality/ growth reduction occur) separately at 7.0 ppm for Synechocystis sp, 5.0 ppm for Anabaena fertilissima and 1.5 ppm for Nostoc muscorum. The influence of anthracene on pigments, metabolites and enzymes was carried out. The test doses caused concentration dependent and decreased pigments like carotenoids and phycobilliproteins. Depletion of carbohydrate by 65 to 80% and proteins by 58 to 78% was encountered with rise in Anthracene concentrations after 16th day exposure in case of Synechocystis sp however, phenols were found to raise by 26 to 37% with increased anthracene concentrations. Similar trend also observed in other two tested blue green algae. Thus the Synechocystis sp.is more tolerant to anthracene treatments as compare to Anabaena fertillissima but Nostoc muscorum showed highest sensitivity to anthracene.Int J Appl Sci Biotechnol, Vol 3(3): 381-386

The symbiosis Azolla–Anabaena azollae, with a worldwide distribution in pantropical and temperate regions, is one of the most studied, because of its potential application as a biofertilizer, especially in rice fields, but also as an animal food and in phytoremediation. The cyanobiont is a filamentous, heterocystic cyanobacterium that inhabits the foliar cavities of the pteridophyte and the indusium on the megasporocarp (female reproductive structure). The classification and phylogeny of the cyanobiont is very controversial: from its morphology, it has been named Nostoc azollae, Anabaena azollae, Anabaena variabilis status azollae and recently Trichormus azollae, but, from its 16S rRNA gene sequence, it has been assigned to Nostoc and/or Anabaena , and from its phycocyanin gene sequence, it has been assigned as non-Nostoc and non-Anabaena. The literature also points to a possible co-evolution between the cyanobiont and the Azolla host, since dendrograms and phylogenetic trees of fatty acids, short tandemly repeated repetitive (STRR) analysis and restriction fragment length polymorphism (RFLP) analysis of nif genes and the 16S rRNA gene give a two-cluster association that matches the two-section ranking of the host (Azolla). Another controversy surrounds the possible existence of more than one genus or more than one species strain. The use of freshly isolated or cultured cyanobionts is an additional problem, since their morphology and protein profiles are different. This review gives an overview of how morphological, chemical and genetic analyses influence the classification and phylogeny of the cyanobiont and future research.

The present study deals with preliminary investigation of cyanobacterial diversity in Meghalaya. A total of 75 samples were collected from 10 different ecosystems and analyzed. 65 strains of cyanobacteria isolated under 11 genera include Nostoc, Anabaena, Calothrix, Cylindrospermum, Gleocapsa, Fischerella, Plectonema, Tolypothrix, Stigonema, Loriella and Westiellopsis. Nostoc was most abundant. Diversity analysis indicated maximum Shannon’s diversity index (H) in Mawlai. Highest Simpson’s diversity index was seen in Sung Valley (0.75). Both Shannon’s and Simpson’s diversity indices were lowest in Mairang. Richness was highest in Sung valley and Syntuksiar with both the sites supporting 17 strains each. Although, highest diversity was recorded from Mawlai, richness recorded at this site was only 11 strains thereby indicating richness need not be a function of diversity in this region. This study revealed the cyanobacterial strains, which can withstand acidic pH and prevail in the region. A study on colonization also identified some potential biofertilizer strains from the region such as Nostoc punctiforme, Nostoc muscurum and Anabaena azollae that could be effective in acidic crop fields.

Blue-green algae (also called cyanobacteria) are ubiquitous, pristine and pioneer photosynthetic microorganisms. Many species of cyanobacteria are capable of fixing atmospheric nitrogen and such species in wet soils are simultaneously augmenting the fertility of the soil, acting as natural bio-fertilizers. Nostoc and Anabaena are the two important genera of heterocystous cyanobacteria capable of contributing nitrogen to soil, especially in paddy fields. The major objectives of the investigation included survey, collection, isolation and pure culture of nitrogen-fixing species of Cyanobacteria in the soils of Kerala state, India. Altogether, pure cultures of 12 species of Nostoc and 5 species of Anabaena are prepared.

The influence of environmental factors on the nitrogen fixation activity of free-living, terrestrial cyanobacteria from a high arctic area were investigated using experimental manipulations with two different types of field samples, including macroscopic sheets of Nostoc commune and soil samples with a cyanobacterial crust from a Puccinellia salt marsh. In addition, a cultured Anabaena sp. previously isolated from the salt marsh was examined. Nitrogen fixation activity was measured using the acetylene reduction method. The nitrogen fixation mainly took place in the light, but even after 12 h incubation in darkness, low activities were maintained. Phosphorus fertilization stimulated the nitrogen fixation activity, and the highest activities were obtained with about 300 μM phosphate, both in the field samples and the cultured Anabaena sp. Ammonium (28 mM) immediately inhibited the nitrogen fixation activity of the cultured Anabaena sp, whereas 14 mM urea and 540 μM glutamate led to a weaker and slower inhibition of the nitrogen fixation activity, showing that the cultured Anabaena sp. was able to assimilate these combined nitrogen sources. Nitrate did not have any inhibitory effect on nitrogen fixation activity, either in the field samples or in the cultured Anabaena sp. Both the field samples and the cultured Anabaena sp. showed tolerance against sodium chloride concentrations corresponding to the concentration in seawater. The temperature optimum of the nitrogen fixation activity of the cultured Anabaena sp. was about 20°C. Key words: nitrogen fixation, cyanobacteria, Nostoc commune, Anabaena sp., high arctic.

Limited diversity was found among cyanobionts from a cultivated population of cycads at a field site in Florida. All isolates were classified as Nostoc but were different from the one Nostoc species found in the soil. These cyanobacteria were root endophytes of several plants of Zamia integrifolia and one of Dioon. The isolates were similar morphologically and in their reactions to four fluorescein isothiocyanate conjugated lectins. Electrophoretic protein profiles and zymograms distinguished one cyanobiont and the soil Nostoc. A tenacious Anabaena epiphyte was also discovered inhabiting the surfaces of root nodules. Key words: cyanobacteria, cycad, Nostoc, symbiosis.

Denitrification of nitrogen from applied NH4+ and NO3-, and nitrogen released from Azolla caroliniana, Anabaena variabilis and Nostoc muscorum, was studied in a flooded soil. Denitrification did not occur in Azolla-, Anabaena-, Nostoc- or ammonium sulfate-treated soil, incubated at 18� to 25�C, until after 30 days since time was required to develop a surface-oxidized layer where nitrification could first take place. About 32, 45 and 49% of the total nitrogen in Azolla, Anabaena and Nostoc was released as mineral-N in 60 days, with 96, 93 and 93% respectively of this being lost as N2. Thus potentially serious losses of nitrogen from Azolla and blue-green algae may be avoided if their incorporated residues in flooded soils are left no longer than 3 weeks before planting a rice crop. Denitrification started within 3 days of incubation in the sodium nitrate-treated soil. About 10 and 75% of the ISN applied as ammonium sulfate and sodium nitrate, respectively, was lost as N, in 60 days. In addition, a substantial amount of 15N+4- N was formed from the applied 15NO-3-N (about 9% of the total amount added) in 60 days, indicating that a dissimilatory pathway also existed in this soil.

Two strains of Nostoc commune have been isolated from the soils of two different rice-growing agro-ecosystems, viz. flat and terrace paddy fields of Dima Hasao district of the state of Assam, North-East India. Phenotypic characterization was made for both the strains and their growth, pigments (chlorophyll a, total carotenoid content and phycobiliproteins) and biochemical properties (total carbohydrate and soluble proteins) were studied. Phylogenetic comparison was made utilizing 16S rRNA gene sequences. Both strains presented higher phycocyanin content than other biliprotein pigments. Total carotenoid content (TCC) was higher in the strain isolated from flat paddy field, while the isolate from terrace paddy field was richer in phycobiliproteins. 16S rRNA gene sequences of the isolated N. commune strains were compared with available sequences of other strains of Nostoc and Anabaena from various geographical locations. Gene sequences were clustered according to their geographical origin, which also reflected the disputed taxonomic position of the Nostocacean genera Nostoc and Anabaena.

Protein phosphorylation is utilized universally as a mechanism of signal transduction. However, the use of tyrosine phosphorylation by bacteria has been a matter of dispute. Conventional wisdom dictated that "prokaryotic phosphorylation" was typified by phosphorylation of histidine and aspartate residues of proteins, while "eukaryotic phosphorylation" was characterized by modification of serine, threonine, or tyrosine residues. Increasing numbers of reports have emerged challenging the traditional view of "prokaryotic" and "eukaryotic" phosphorlyation. One of the strongest links unifying prokaryotic and eukaryotic protein phosphorylation to date is IphP, a genomically-encoded dual-specificity protein phosphatase from the cyanobacterium Nostoc commune UTEX 584 bearing the active-site signature sequence of eukaryotic tyrosine-specific and dual-specificity protein phosphatases. The catalytic properties and substrate specificity of IphP were examined in detail. The enzyme was able to discriminate among a variety of exogenous peptides and proteins. Kinetic studies revealed that IphP favors protein / peptide substrates over low molecular weight compounds. Heparin effected IphP activity in a substrate-dependent manner. Enzyme activity toward casein (P-Ser) and MAP kinase (P-Thr/P-Tyr) was stimulated in the presence of the polyanion, whereas activity was inhibited by heparin toward other protein substrates. Both stimulation and inhibition by heparin were dose-dependent. The ability to stimulate IphP activity toward select substrates was attributed to the ability of heparin to recruit the enzyme and substrate to the same microenvironment. To facilitate future genetic studies examining the role of tyrosine phosphorylation in cyanobacteria, we searched for evidence of protein tyrosine phosphorylation in Anabaena PCC 7120. In a collaborative effort with the laboratory of Dr. Potts, tyrosine phosphorylated proteins were identified in Anabaena utilizing several approaches, including comparative labelling with alpha- vs gamma-32P-ATP, phosphoamino acid analysis, and selective hydrolysis with a tyrosine specific protein phosphatase. Together, these data unequivocally demonstrate the presence of tyrosine-phosphorylated proteins in Anabaena PCC 7120. Extracts of Anabaena PCC 7120 were examined for protein tyrosine phosphatase activity. An apparent PTP activity was detected, partially purified, and characterized. The protein phosphatase was ~38kDa by SDS-PAGE and sucrose density gradient centrifugation and displayed dual-specificity protein phosphatase (DSP) activity in vitro. The enzyme was localized to the periplasm and was thus assigned the title PAD, for Periplasmic Anabaena DSP. Periplasmic phosphoproteins of ~120 and 55 kDa that had been radiolabelled in vitro were dephosphorylated by partially purified PAD. PAD activity varied in vivo ~5-fold in a rhthymic, seemingly diurnal manner. Periplasmic proteins, including the 55kDa protein, were labelled in vivo and the degree of radiolabel incorporated into these proteins varied inversely with PAD activity.
Ph. D.

U radu je ispitana zastupljenost azotofiksirajućih cijanobakterija, ukupnog broja algi i ukupnog broja bakterija u različitim tipovima zemljišta na jedanaest lokaliteta u Vojvodini, od čega se sedam nalaze u zaštićenim prirodnim dobrima. Ispitana je brojnost u zavisnosti od dubine pedološkog profila, kao i od godišnjeg doba. Izvršena je izolacija sojeva azotofiksirajućih cijanobakterija, određena njihova taksonomska pripadnost i osnovne citološke karakteristike. Ispitana je ultrastruktura vegetativnih ćelija, heterocista i spoljnih struktura na ćelijama fimbrije i pili, transmisionim elektronskim mikroskopom. Izvršena je genetička karakterizacija izolovanih sojeva azotofiksirajućih cijanobakterija PCR metodom analizom STRR fragmenata DNA.Brojnost azotofiksirajućih cijanobakterija i ukupna brojnost algi je bila znatno veća kod hidromorfnih i halomorfnih zemljišta, nego kod automorfnih zemljišta. Najveća prosečna godišnja brojnost azotofiksirajućih cijanobakterija, u površinskom sloju 0-5cm, je utvrđena kod zemljišta fluvisol u SRP “Koviljsko petrovaradinskom ritu”, 150864 jedinki po gramu apsolutno suvog zemljišta. Zemljište sa najnižom brojnošću azotofiksirajućih cijanobakterija, je gajnjača u NP Fruška gora, 1582 jed./gr zemljišta u površinskom sloju.Kod svih ispitivanih zemljišta brojnost azotofiksirajućih cijanobakterija je bila najveća u površinskom sloju zemljišta, 0-5 cm dubine, opadala je sa dubinom zemljišta i bila najmanja u najdubljem sloju, 30 - 60 cm. Kod najvećeg broja ispitivanih zemljišta brojnost azotofiksirajućih cijanobakterija je bila najveća tokom zimskog perioda. Azotofiksirajuće cijanobakterije su dominantne u našim zemljištima i zastupljene sa 56.27% u odnosu na druge grupe algi.Izolovano je 30 sojeva azotofiksirajućih cijanobakterija: 19 sojeva Nostoc-a, 4 soja Anabaena, 4 Cylindrospermum, i po jedan soj Calothrix, Tolypothrix i Phormidium. Prosečna zastupljenost heterocista, ćelija koje vrše azotofiksaciju, kod roda Nostoc je iznosila 8.28%, Anabaena 4.25%, Cylindrospermum-a 2.93%, Calotrix elenkinii 6.19% i Tolypothrix 7.76%.Ultrastrukturnim ispitivanjem, TEM mikroskopom, vegetativnih ćelija azotofiksirajućih cijanobakterija uočili smo inkluzije redovnog pojavljivanja: karboksizome (Cs), cijanoficinkse granule (CG), polifosfatne granule (PG), ribozome (R), lipidne granule (ß –granule) i tilakoide (T), kao i inkluzije neredovnog pojavljivanja: membranom ograničene kristalne inkluzije.Koristeći TEM i tehniku bojenja ćelija sa RR i ultratankih preseka utvrdili smo prisustvo omotača od fimbrija kod tri soja (A.314, A.azollae i N.302) i tipične fimbrije kod dva soja (N.311 i N.9229). Metodom negativnog bojenja NS PTA uočili smo takođe tipične fimbrije, igličastog-dlakastog izgleda, jasnih granica niti kod tri soja (N.302, N.7901 i N.9229), međutim uočili smo i atipične sluzne fimbrije, koje nemaju jasno izražene granice, ali su veoma moćno raširene oko vegetativnih ćelija, kod tri soja (A.314, A.azollae, N.311).Kod simbiotskih-infektivnih sojeva N.7901 i N.9229 javljaju se samo tipične fimbrije iz prve klase, a kod diazotofnih sojeva i simbiotskog - neinfektivnog soja A.azollae javljaju se atipične-sluzne fimbrije iz druge klase.Za ispitivanje sličnosti cijanobakterija metodom PCR-a pomoću STRR konzervativnih sekvenci DNA genoma korišćeno je 39 sojeva azotofiksirajućih cijanobakterija i kod 38 je utvrđeno njihovo prisustvo. Svi sojevi se mogu podeliti u tri grupe, klastera. Prvi klaster je najveći i obuhvata 24 soja i deli se na dva podklastera: Ia koji obuhvata 12 sojeva gde dominiraju sojevi Nostoc-a (8), i podklaster Ib koji obuhvata takođe 12 sojeva, od čega 6 sojeva pripada rodu Anabaena. Podklaster Ia i podklaster Ib pokazuju različitost od 90%. Sva tri simbiozna, infektivna, soja Nostoc-a se nalaze u klasteru I: N.7901, N.9229 i N. 8001. Svaki simbiozni soj Nostoc-a ima genetske sličnosti sa po jednim diazotrofnim sojem Nostoc-a izolovanim iz zemljišta Vojvodine.Klaster II obuhvata sedam (7) sojeva među kojima dominiraju sojevi Cylindrospermum-a, dok klaster III obuhvata 7 sojeva od čega 6 pripadaju rodu Nostoc, a jedan rodu Rivularia.Detaljno poznavanje svojstava izolovanih azotofiksirajućih cijanobakterija doprineće njihovoj budućoj primeni kako u proizvodnji ratarskih i povrtarskih kultura, tako i u biotehnološkoj proizvodnji
In this study examined is the frequency of nitrogen-fixing cyanobacteria, total number of algae and total number of bacteria in different soil types on eleven localities in the Vojvodina Province. Seven out of those eleven localities are found in protected nature reserves. Actually, studied was the number of the cyanobacteria and algae depending on the depth of pedological characterization as well as on season. First, isolated were the types of nitrogen-fixing cyanobacteria, determined was their taxonomic origin and basic cytological characteristics. Also examined was the ultrastructure of vegetative cells, heterocysts and other outer structures on fimbriae and pili cells using TEM, transmission electron microscope. Finally, performed was the genetic characterization of isolated types of nitrogen-fixing cyanobacteria using the PCR method and analyzing STRR fragments of DNA.The presence of nitrogen-fixing cyanobacteria and total number of algae was significantly higher with hydromorphic and halomorphic soils than with authomorphic ones. Highest annual average number of nitrogen-fixing cyanobacteria in the topsoil (0-5 cm) was reported with fluvisol soil in Special Nature Reserve „Koviljsko petrovaradinski rit” (Swamp) and there were 150864 units of bacteria per gram of absolutely dry soil. The soil with the lowest presence of nitrogen-fixing cyanobacteria recorded was cambisol in National Park “Fruska gora” with 1582 units per gram of soil in the topsoil.With all the researched types of soils the number of nitrogen-fixing cyanobacteria was in the topsoil, 0-5 cm of depth and decreased in line with the depthof soil and lowest was at the deepest layer, 30-60cm. The highest frequency of nitrogen-fixing cyanobacteria was found during the winter season with most of the examined soils. Nitrogen-fixing cyanobacteria are the dominant type of bacteria in our soils and are presented with 56, 27% compared to other types of algae.30 strains of nitrogen-fixing cyanobacteria were isolated: 19 types of Nostoc sp., 4 of Anabaena sp. and one in each genus of Calothrix, Tolypothrix and Phormidium.Using ultrastructural examination and TEM microscope when studying vegetative cells of nitrogen-fixing cyanobacteria observed were the inclusions of regular frequency: carboxysomes (Cs), cyanophycin granules (CG) , polyphosphate granules (PG), ribosomes (R), lipid granules (SS -granule ) and thylakoids ( T ) as well as the inclusion of irregular occurrence: a membrane-bound crystal inclusions.Using TEM technique and staining the cells with the RR and ultra thin cross section, we determined the presence of depletion of the fimbriae with three strains (A.314, A.azollae and N.302) and typical fimbriae with the two strains (N.311 and N.9229). Applying the method of negative staining NS PTA also noticed were a typical fimbriae, needle-hairy like looks with clear boundaries with the three strains (N.302, N.7901, N.9229). However, also observed were atypical mucous fimbriae, which do not have clearly expressed borders, but they are very strongly spread around the vegetative cells, with the three strains (A.314, A.azollae, N.311).With symbiotic - infective strains N.7901 and N.9229 only typical fimbriae of first class occurred, and in diazotroph strains and symbiotic – non infectious strain A. azollae found were atypical mucous fimbriae of second class.To test the similarity of cyanobacteria by PCR method and using a STRR - conservative DNA sequence of the genome used were 39 strains fixing cyanobacteria and with 38 established was their presence. All strains can be divided into three groups of clusters. The first cluster is the largest and covers 24 strains, and is divided into two subclusters: Ia which includes 12 strains,where predominant are Nostoc strains ( 8 ) , and subcluster Ib , which also implies 12 strains , out of which 6 strains belong to the genus Anabaena. Subcluster Ia and Ib show a difference of 90 %. All three symbiotic , infectious Nostoc strains are classified in a cluster I: N.7901, N.9229 and N. 8001. Each symbiotic Nostoc strain has a genetic similarity with one di-nitrogen Nostoc strain isolated from a lot of different soils in Vojvodina.Cluster II includes seven (7) strains , including strains among which the predominant are Cylindrospermum ones , while cluster III includes 7 strains of which 6 belong to the genus Nostoc and one to genus Rivularia.Detailed knowledge of the properties of isolated fixing cyanobacteria could contribute to their future application both in the production of field crops and vegetables, as well as in biotechnological production.

Today, mankind faces a new challenge in energetic terms: a new Industrial Revolution is imperative, already called by some as an Energetic Revolution. This corresponds to a conversion to clean, environmentally friendly and renewable energy sources. In this context, hydrogen arises as a valid alternative, since its combustion produces a considerable amount of energy and releases solely water as a by-product. In the present thesis, two model cyanobacteria, namely Synechocystis sp. strain PCC 6803 and Anabaena/Nostoc sp. strain PCC 7120, were used to examine the hydrogen metabolism. The efforts were focused on to understand the transcription regulation of the hox genes, encoding the structural elements of the bidirectional hydrogenase enzyme. Here, it is shown that such regulation is operated in a very distinct and intricate way, with different factors contributing to its delicate tuning. While in Synechocystis sp. strain PCC 6803 the hox genes were shown to be transcribed as a single operon, in Anabaena/Nostoc sp. strain PCC 7120 they were shown to be transcribed as two independent operons (possibly three). Two transcription factors, LexA and AbrB-like protein, were identified and further characterized in relation to the hydrogen metabolism. Furthermore, different environmental conditions were demonstrated to operate changes on the transcription of the bidirectional hydrogenase genes. In addition, functional studies of three open reading frames found within the hox operon of Synechocystis sp. strain PCC 6803 suggest that this may be a stress responsive operon. However, based on the gained knowledge, it is still not possible to connect the signal transduction pathways, from the environmental signal, through the response regulator, to the final regulation of the hox genes. Nevertheless, the crucial importance of studying the transcription regulation of the different players involved in the hydrogen metabolism is now established and a new era seems to be rising.

Cyanobacteria are an ancient lineage of gram-negative photosynthetic prokaryotes that play an important role in the nitrogen cycle in terrestrial and aquatic systems. Widespread cyanobacterial blooms have prompted numerous studies on the classification of this group, however defining species is problematic due to lack of clarity as to which characters best define the various taxonomic levels. The genera Anabaena, Aphanizomenon and Nostoc form one of the most controversial groups and are typically paraphyletic within phylogenetic trees and share similar morphological characters. This study’s purpose was to determine the taxonomic and phylogenetic relationships among isolates from these three genera using 16S rRNA and bacterial elongation factor P (efp) gene sequences as well as morphological analyses. These data confirmed the non-monophyly of Anabaena and Aphanizomenon and demonstrated that many of the isolates were intermixed among various clades in both gene phylogenies. In addition, the genus Nostoc was clearly not monophyletic and this finding differed from previous studies. The genetic divergence of the genus Nostoc was confirmed based on 16S rRNA gene sequence similarities (≥85.1%), and the isolates of Anabaena were genetically differentiated, contrary to previous studies (16S rRNA gene sequence similarities ≥89.4%). The morphological diversity was larger than the molecular diversity, since the statistical analysis ANOSIM showed that the isolates were morphologically well differentiated; however, the 16S rRNA gene sequence similarities showed some isolates as being related at the species level. Planktonic and benthic strains were not distinguished phylogenetically, although some well-supported clusters were noted. Cellular measurements (length and width of vegetative cells, end cells, heterocysts and akinetes) were noted to be the morphological characters that best supported the differentiation among isolates, more than qualitative characterization. Among the metric parameters, the length of akinetes resulted in better differentiation among isolates. The efp gene sequence analyses did not appear to be useful for the taxonomic differentiation at lower taxonomic levels, but gave well-supported clusters for Aphanizomenon that was supported by the morphological analyses. Both gene regions gave similar trees with the exception of the Aphanizomenon isolates which clustered together in phylogenetic trees based on the efp gene. This differed from the 16S rRNA gene in which this genus was paraphyletic with Anabaena species that were similar in morphology to Aphanizomenon. Hence, the application of multiple taxonomic criteria is required for the successful delineation of cyanobacterial species.

Many multicellular cyanobacteria produce specialized nitrogen-fixing heterocysts. During diazotrophic growth of the model organism Anabaena (Nostoc) sp. strain PCC 7120, a regulated developmental pattern of single heterocysts separated by about 10 to 20 photosynthetic vegetative cells is maintained along filaments. Heterocyst structure and metabolic activity function to accommodate the oxygen-sensitive process of nitrogen fixation. This dissertation focuses on my research on heterocyst development, including morphogenesis, transport of molecules between cells in a filament, differential gene expression, and pattern formation. We using microarray experiments we found that conR (all0187) gene is necessary for normal septum-formation of vegetative cells, diazotrophic grow, and heterocyst morphogenesis. In our studies we characterized the expression of sigma factors genes in Anabaena PCC 7120 during heterocyst differentiation, and we found that the expression of sigC, sigG and sigE is localized primarily in heterocysts. Expression studies using sigE mutant showed that nifH is under the control of this specific sigma factor.