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Name derivation:
“Small cell” (From the Greek micros –small, and kytos –a hollow vessel, a cell
Classification:
Microcystis Kützing 1846; 55 of 139 species descriptions are currently accepted taxonomically (Guiry and Guiry 2013). Order Chroococcales; Family Microcystaceae Synonym: Micraloa aeruginosa Kützing 1833 Synonym: Anacystis Meneghini 1837, although recognized as a distinct genus online. Synonym: Chthonoblastus Kützing, 1843 Synonym: Diplocystis (Kützing) Trevisan 1848 Synonym: Chlathrocystis Henfrey 1856
Morphology:
Unicells spherical, 3 - 4 µm, and exist primarily in the absence of predators. They can be maintained in culture, and will convert to colonies if predators are introduced accidentally or on purpose. Otherwise colonies are usually the only form found in nature. Recruitment, presumably from sediments, is often as unicells, but colonies form as populations increase (Zhang et al. 2011). See also the description of the dominant colonial form.
Similar genera:
Habitat:
Laboratory cultures. May not survive predation in natural environments due to grazing pressure from invertebrates. Can be grown in culture. Colonies are induced when predators (flagellates or ciliates) invade unicellular Microcystis cultures and devour unicells, often at a rapid rate (several unicells per predator per minute).
References:
Baker, A.L., and E. Pelonzi. (Unpublished) Guiry, M.D. & G.M. Guiry 2018. AlgaeBase. World-wide electronic publication, National University of Ireland, Galway. http://www.algaebase.org; searched on 12 April 2018. Zhang, M., X. Shi, Y. Yu and F. Kong 2011. The acclimative changes in photochemistry after colony formation of the cyanobacteria Microcystis aeruginosa. Journal of Phycology 47:524-532.
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