Open AccessCompartmentalisation of nitrogenase in a non‐heterocystous cyanobacterium: Trichodesmium contortum
Author(s) -
Janson Sven,
Carpenter Edward J.,
Bergman Birgitta
Publication year - 1994
Publication title -
fems microbiology letters
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.899
H-Index - 151
eISSN - 1574-6968
pISSN - 0378-1097
DOI - 10.1111/j.1574-6968.1994.tb06796.x
Subject(s) - nitrogenase , trichodesmium , heterocyst , cyanobacteria , diazotroph , biology , photosystem ii , nitrogen fixation , photosynthesis , botany , chemistry , bacteria , genetics
In Trichodesmium contortum , nitrogenase was detected in only a limited number (about 10%) of microscopically distinguishable, consecutively arranged cells in central regions of the trichomes. Cells with nitrogenase also contained the photosystem II associated pigment phycoerythrin. These cells were not distinguishable from other cells on a structural basis, but were clearly visible at low magnification microscopy as all in the zone were more compact and shorter than those on either side. The compartmentalisation of nitrogenase into a chain of cells and in a possibly photosynthetic environment represents a previously undescribed phenomenon. The nitrogenase containing cells apparently perform the O 2 protective function of heterocysts yet are different in several aspects.