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N2 Fixation in non-heterocystous Cyanobacteria: An Overview

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Marine Pelagic Cyanobacteria: Trichodesmium and other Diazotrophs

Part of the book series: NATO ASI Series ((ASIC,volume 362))

Abstract

Studies on N2-fixing non-heterocystous cyanobacteria have centred on strains that can fix N2 aerobically. Extensive laboratory studies, reviewed here, have probed the mechanisms whereby these organisms maintain an active nitrogenase in the presence of both atmospheric and photosynthetic O2, the intracellular location of nitrogenase and the supply of ATP, reductant and carbon skeletons to support N2 fixation. In contrast, field studies on natural populations of non-heterocystous cyanobacteria have been less widespread, though these organisms make a major contribution to N2 fixation in the marine environment. Most fieldwork has concentrated on microbial mat communities and on open-water blooms of Trichodesmium, in which both the extent and the pattern of observed N2 fixation are markedly influenced by external factors such as light, O2 and CO2. The differences in behaviour between Trichodesmium and other non-heterocystous cyanobacteria are highlighted in this review and possible directions for future research are indicated.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Algal Research Unit, University College of Swansea, Swansea, SA2 8PP, UK

    J. R. Gallon

  2. Laboratorium voor Microbiologie, Universiteit van Amsterdam, 1018 WS, Amsterdam, The Netherlands

    L. J. Stal

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  1. Marine Sciences Research Center, State University of New York, Stony Brook, New York, USA

    E. J. Carpenter

  2. Chesapeake Biological Laboratory, University of Maryland, Solomons, Maryland, USA

    D. G. Capone

  3. Biology Department, Portland State University, Portland, Oregon, USA

    J. G. Rueter

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Gallon, J.R., Stal, L.J. (1992). N2 Fixation in non-heterocystous Cyanobacteria: An Overview. In: Carpenter, E.J., Capone, D.G., Rueter, J.G. (eds) Marine Pelagic Cyanobacteria: Trichodesmium and other Diazotrophs. NATO ASI Series, vol 362. Springer, Dordrecht. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-94-015-7977-3_8

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