Microcystis aeruginosa and the Effects of Microcystin-LR on Ecosystems and Human Health

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Introduction

Bloom of Microcystis aeruginosa in Lake Erie. Photo taken in October, 2011 by the The Landsat-5 satellite. Image credit: NASA. [1].

By Lauren Michael

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Legend/credit: Electron micrograph of the Ebola Zaire virus. This was the first photo ever taken of the virus, on 10/13/1976. By Dr. F.A. Murphy, now at U.C. Davis, then at the CDC.
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The term “microcystin” refers to a group of liver toxins that are produced by many species of cyanobacteria. The name microcystin comes from the genus Microcystis, which is one of the most widely know genera that produce this widespread toxin. Microcystis aeruginosa is one of the most common producers of microcystin, and is often associated with eutrophic fresh water systems, where they form large, toxic blooms, though they have been found in marine environments as well. Microcystin contaminated water poses a major health risk for both humans and animals, and has been known to cause mass die offs in contaminated ecosystems as well as the disruption of major food webs.

Microcystis aeruginosa

Micrograph of Microcystis aeruginosa. [2].

Microcystin-LR

Include some current research, with at least one figure showing data.

The structure of microcystin-LR. Macintosh et al. 1990. [http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1016/0014-5793(90)80245-E/epdf

Dangers to Human Health

Include some current research, with at least one figure showing data.

References

Authored for BIOL 238 Microbiology, taught by Joan Slonczewski, 2016, Kenyon College.