Microcystis
| Microcystis | |
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| Microcystis aeruginosa | |
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Microcystis
Kützing, 1833
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| species | |
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Many (see below) |
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Microcystis is a hepatotoxin (microcystin) producing genus of freshwater cyanobacteria which includes the harmful algal bloom Microcystis aeruginosa.[1] Cyanobacteria produce two groups of toxin, neurotoxins and peptide hepatotoxins, such as microcystin and cyanopeptolin.[2][3]
Etymology
The genus Microcystis derives from the Greek[4] mikros ("small") + kystis ("bladder")
Physical characteristics
As the etymological derivation implies, Microcystis is characterized by small cells (a few micrometers in diameter), possessing gas filled vesicles (also lacking individual sheaths).[4] The cells are usually organized into colonies (macroscopic aggregations of which are visible with the naked eye) that begin in a spherical shape, losing coherence to become perforated or irregularly shaped over time. These colonies are bound by a thick mucilage composed of complex polysaccharide compounds, including xylose, mannose, glucose, fucose, galactose, rhamnose, among other compounds.[5]
The coloration of the protoplast is a light blue-green, appearing dark or brown due to optical effects of gas-filled vesicles; this can be useful as a distinguishing characteristic when using light microscopy.
Ecology
Microcystis is capable of producing large surface blooms through a combination of rapid division and buoyancy regulation by production of gas-filled vesicles. Their ability to regulate buoyancy is key to their dominance of eutrophic waters, by optimally positioning themselves within the photic zone in a stable water column.
Because they can form large surface blooms, they are capable of out-competing other phytoplankton by essentially monopolizing light in the photic zone.
Microcystis is also capable of strong uptake of phosphate and nitrogen, so much so that they are believed to be able to strongly influence nitrogen to phosphorus ratios ("N:P ratio").[6]
Species
Among Microcystis species are the following:[7]
See also
References
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