Aphanizomenon

Aphanizomenon
Scientific classification
Kingdom: Bacteria
Phylum: Cyanobacteria
Class: see [1]
Order: Nostocales
Family: Nostocaceae
Genus: Aphanizomenon
Species

Aphanizomenon flos-aquae

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 dietary supplements containing Aphanizomenon flos-aquae. They are marketed for improving overall health in a number of ways similar to Chlorella and Spirulina, another species of cyanobacteria.

See also

Aphanizomenon flos-aquae

References

  1. ^ Konopka, A., T. D. Brock, and A. E. Walsby. 1978. "Buoyancy regulation by planktonic blue-green algae in Lake Mendota, Wisconsin." Arch. Hydrobiol. 83: 524-537.

Guiry, M.D.; Guiry, G.M. (2008). "Aphanizomenon". AlgaeBase. World-wide electronic publication, National University of Ireland, Galway. http://www.algaebase.org/search/genus/detail/?genus_id=43592.