From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Aphanizomenon is an important genus of cyanobacteria that inhabits freshwater lakes and can cause choking blooms. Studies on the species Aphanizomenon flos-aquae have shown that it can regulate buoyancy through light-induced changes in turgor pressure.[1] It is also able to move by means of gliding, though the specific mechanism by which this is possible is not yet known.
Several companies have begun selling Aphanizomenon-containing dietary supplements. They are marketed as improving health in a number of ways similar to the supplement Spirulina, another species of Cyanobacteria.
[edit] References
- ^ Konopka, A., T. D. Brock & A. E. Walsby. 1978. "Buoyancy regulation by planktonic blue-green algae in Lake Mendota, Wisconsin." Arch. Hydrobiol. 83: 524-537.
