Aphanizomenon

Aphanizomenon is a genus of cyanobacteria that inhabits freshwater lakes and can cause dense blooms. These cyanobacteria are unicellular organisms that form linear (non-branching) chains known as trichomes. Parallel trichomes can further unite into aggregates called rafts.^[1] Cyanobacteria such as Aphanizomenon are known for using photosynthesis to create energy and thus rely on sunlight as their energy source.^[2] Aphanizomenon bacteria also play a significant role in the Nitrogen cycle due to their ability to perform nitrogen fixation. Studies on the species Aphanizomenon flos-aquae have shown that it can regulate buoyancy through light-induced changes in turgor pressure.^[3] The genus is also capable of gliding motility, although the specific mechanism responsible for this ability remains unknown.