Microcystis
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Microcystis
| Microcystis | |
|---|---|
 |
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| Microcystis aeruginosa | |
| Scientific classification | |
| Kingdom: | Bacteria |
| Subkingdom: | Eubacteria |
| Phylum: | Cyanobacteria |
| Class: | Cyanophyceae |
| Order: | Chroococcales |
| Family: | Microcystaceae |
| Genus: | Microcystis Kützing, 1833 |
| species | |
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Many (see below) |
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Microcystis is the genus of freshwater cyanobacteria which includes the harmful algal bloom Microcystis aeruginosa.[1]
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Contents
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Etymology
The generic moniker Microcystis derives from the Greek[2] mikros ("small") + kystis ("bladder")
Characteristics
As the etymological derivation implies, Microcystis is characterized by small cells (of only a few microns' diameter), which lack individual sheaths.[2]
The cells usually are organized into colonies (large colonies of which may be viewed with the naked eye) that begin in a spherical shape, but losing their coherence to become perforated or irregularly shaped over time.
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.
Species
Dozens,[3] including:
- Microcystis aeruginosa
- Microcystis argentea
- Microcystis elongata
- Microcystis holsatica
- Microcystis lutescens
- Microcystis marina
- Microcystis pallida
- Microcystis salina
- Microcystis thermalis
- Microcystis viridis
See also
References
- ^ "Chroococcales". EOL. http://www.eol.org/pages/3238. Retrieved 24 June 2011.
- ^ a b "Cyanobacteria: Microcystis". The Silica Secchi Disk. Connecticut College: The SilicaSecchi Disk. http://silicasecchidisk.conncoll.edu/LucidKeys/Carolina_Key/html/Microcystis_Main.html. Retrieved 24 June 2011.
- ^ "Taxonomy Browser Genus: Microcystis". Taxonomy Browser Genus: Microcystis. AlgaeBase. http://www.algaebase.org/browse/taxonomy/?id=7066. Retrieved 24 June 2011.
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