Chroococcum

Chroococcum is a genus of cyanobacteria, which are photosynthetic prokaryotic microorganisms. These organisms are typically found in freshwater environments, such as lakes, ponds, and slow-moving streams. Chroococcum species are characterized by their simple, spherical or oval cells that divide in two dimensions, forming irregular, non-filamentous colonies. They lack specialized structures like heterocysts, which are cells found in some cyanobacteria for nitrogen fixation.

The cells of Chroococcum are usually blue-green in color due to the presence of chlorophyll a and phycocyanin, the primary photosynthetic pigments. They reproduce asexually through binary fission, where a single cell divides into two identical daughter cells. Under favorable conditions, these cells can remain together, creating small, macroscopic colonies that may appear as a greenish film or mass on submerged surfaces or at the water's surface.

While Chroococcum is a widespread and generally non-pathogenic genus, certain species can contribute to algal blooms in nutrient-rich waters. These blooms can sometimes lead to decreased water quality by depleting oxygen levels when the algae die and decompose. Research into Chroococcum primarily focuses on its ecological role in aquatic ecosystems and its photosynthetic capabilities.