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Abstract:
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The group cyanobacteria includes a large number of organisms
characterised by a low state of cellular organization. Their cells lack a
well defined nucleus. Cell division is by division of the protoplast by an
ingrowth of the septum. These organisms are characterised generally by a
blue green colouration of the cell, the chief pigments being chlorophyll-a,
carotenes, xanthophylls, C phycocyanin and C phycoerythrin. The product of
photosynthesis is glycogen. These organisms lack flagellate reproductive
bodies and there is a total lack of sexual reproduction. They are also
unique because of the presence of murein in the place of cellulose (cell
wall) and the absence of chloroplast, mitochondria and endoplasmic
reticulum. Just like bacteria some of them possess Plasmids and can fix
atmospheric nitrogen.
In the present study growth kinetics, heavy metal tolerance,
tolerance mechanisms, heavy metal intake, and antibacterial activity of
§ynechocystics salina Wislouch - a nanoplanktonic, euryhaline,
Cyanobacterium present in Cochin back waters has been carried out for the
potential biotechnological application of this organism. _§; salina occur
as small spherical cells of 3n diameter (sometimes in pairs) with bluish
green colour. The species is characterised by jerky movement of the cells
and is structrually similar to other cyanobacteria |