Tsüanobakterid

Tsüanobakterid, commonly known as blue-green algae, are a phylum of bacteria within the Gracilicutes phylum. Despite their common name, they are not true algae but are prokaryotic microorganisms. These bacteria are found in a wide variety of habitats, including freshwater, marine environments, and even on land in soil and deserts. They are characterized by their ability to perform oxygenic photosynthesis, similar to plants, using chlorophyll and phycobilins as pigments.

The ecological significance of tsüanobakterid is substantial. They play a crucial role in primary production in aquatic ecosystems and contribute significantly to global oxygen production. Some species are also capable of nitrogen fixation, converting atmospheric nitrogen into a usable form for other organisms, which is vital for nutrient cycling. However, under certain conditions, such as eutrophication, some tsüanobakterid species can bloom, leading to harmful algal blooms (HABs). These blooms can produce toxins that are detrimental to aquatic life, livestock, and human health, and can also cause oxygen depletion in water bodies, leading to fish kills. Despite the potential for harmful blooms, tsüanobakterid are essential components of many ecosystems.