Lyngbya majuscula
Lyngbya Majuscula
Species
Bacteria (Domain); Cyanobacteria (Phylum); Cyanophyceae (Class); Oscillatoriales (order); Oscillatoriaceae (family); Lyngbya (Genus). Lyngbya Majuscula https://microbewiki.kenyon.edu/images/0/07/Lyngbya_majuscula.jpeg
Description and Significance
Marine Cyanobacteria have an ancient marine history which can be traced back almost three billion years ago in the fossil record during the precambrian period. Lyngbya majuscula, referred to as "mermaids hair" is an unbranched filamentous cyanobacterium that is often found in coastal tropical and subtropical marine and estuarine environments worldwide. Very important to the coral reef ecosystems, impacts the health of many other organisms. 35% of all cyanobacteria natural products derive from lyngbya majuscula. Lyngbya majuscula is distributed in ecosystems such as land, soil, oceans, lakes, and fresh water.
Genome Structure
Lack of genomic information, and their close associations with heterotrophic bacteria and other cyanobacteria.
Cell Structure, Metabolism and Life Cycle
Reproduce asexually. Filaments break apart and each cell forms a new filament. The mat grow around atolls, salt marshes, or fresh water. Lyngbya cells are filamentous and macroscopic up to several centimetres in diameter, with layered or stratified and brown coloured sheaths. Filaments are unbranched, cell division occurs crosswise, perpendicular to the long axis of the trichome. Reproduction is by hormogonium formation.
Ecology and Pathogenesis
Often found in coastal tropical and subtropical marine and estuarine enviornments worldwide. Found in many areas of Florida. Known to contain chemicals that have a range of biological effects, like the eye and skin irritation. Lyngbya induced dermatitis has occured. Also known as seaweed dermatitis.
References
Gomont, M. (1892 '1893'). Monographie des Oscillariées (Nostocacées Homocystées). Deuxième partie. - Lyngbyées. Annales des Sciences Naturelles, Botanique, Série 7 16: 91-264, pls 1-7.
https://www.pnas.org/doi/10.1073/pnas.1101137108
Author
Page authored by Anna Smith, student of Prof. Bradley Tolar at UNC Wilmington.
