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Cyanobacterial Heterocysts

  1. Anneliese Ernst1,
  2. Iris Maldener2

Published Online: 19 APR 2001

DOI: 10.1038/npg.els.0000306

Book Title

eLS

eLS

Additional Information

How to Cite

Ernst, A. and Maldener, I. 2001. Cyanobacterial Heterocysts. eLS. .

Author Information

  1. 1

    Netherlands Institute of Ecology, Yerseke, The Netherlands

  2. 2

    University of Regensburg, Regensberg, Germany

Publication History

  1. Published Online: 19 APR 2001

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Abstract

Heterocysts are morphologically distinct cells of certain filamentous cyanobacteria that function in fixation of molecular nitrogen. They are specialized, nondividing cells that develop, in absence of alternative sources of nitrogen, in a semiregular pattern along the filament.

Keywords:

  • differentiation;
  • nitrogenase;
  • nitrogen fixation;
  • pattern formation;
  • photosynthesis
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