Cyanobakterioiden

Cyanobakterioiden, also known as blue‑green algae, are photosynthetic bacteria belonging to the phylum Cyanobacteriota. They are among the earliest life forms on Earth and have existed for more than 2.5 billion years. Cyanobacteria perform oxygenic photosynthesis, releasing oxygen as a by‑product, and were essential for the oxygenation of the atmosphere during the Great Oxidation Event.

These organisms are found in diverse habitats, from freshwater and marine environments to terrestrial soils, hot springs, and extreme environments such as acidic streams or desiccated rocks. They can exist as unicellular rods, filaments, or colonies. Many cyanobacteria possess specialized cells called heterocysts that fix atmospheric nitrogen into ammonia, making them key contributors to nitrogen cycling in ecosystems.

Cyanobacteria produce a wide array of bioactive compounds, including toxins such as microcystins and cylindrospermopsin that can accumulate in water bodies and pose health risks to aquatic life and humans. Consequently, monitoring cyanobacterial blooms is a major concern for water quality management.

Cyanobacteria have also been studied as potential sources for sustainable biofuels and bioproducts because of their high growth rates and ability to convert sunlight into chemical energy. Genetic engineering has enabled the production of lipids, sugars and other compounds that could replace fossil‑fuel‑derived materials.

In contemporary research, cyanobacteria are explored for applications in biotechnology, bioengineering, and astrobiology. Their resilience to extreme conditions and evolutionary significance make them a focal point for studies on early life and the evolution of photosynthesis.