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Guilherme Mazui

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What is the Difference Between Nostoc and Anabaena?

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Nostoc and Anabaena are two types of cyanobacteria that can photosynthesize and fix nitrogen. They share some similarities, such as possessing heterocysts, akinetes, and bead-like vegetative cells arranged in chains. However, there are key differences between the two:

  1. Mucilaginous Sheath: Nostoc has a mucilaginous sheath, while Anabaena does not.
  2. Morphology: Nostoc forms gelatinous colonies that can be cylindrical, spherical, or ovoid, while Anabaena forms filaments that can be coiled or straight.
  3. Habitat: Nostoc is free-living in terrestrial and aquatic habitats, while Anabaena is symbiotic in several plants.
  4. Colony Size: The size of Nostoc colonies is around 20 cm, while Anabaena cells measure 4-50 µm.
  5. Reproduction: Nostoc reproduces either by simple fission or fragmentation, while Anabaena reproduces by multiple methods, including fragmentation.

In summary, Nostoc and Anabaena are both cyanobacteria capable of photosynthesis and nitrogen fixation, but they differ in their morphology, habitat, cell size, and reproduction methods.

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  • What is the Difference Between Nostoc and Anabaena?
  • Comparative Table: Nostoc vs Anabaena

    • Comparative Table: Nostoc vs Anabaena

    Here is a table comparing the differences between Nostoc and Anabaena:

    Feature Nostoc Anabaena
    Definition A genus of cyanobacteria that forms colonies in a gelatinous sheath. A genus of filamentous cyanobacteria that exists as plankton.
    Habitat Free-living in damp habitats and water bodies like lakes, ponds, and damp rocks. Forms endosymbiotic relationships with specific plants like mosquito ferns.
    Morphology Forms gelatinous colonies, appearing cylindrical, spherical, or ovoid. Forms filaments, which are coiled or straight.
    Size Colony size is around 20 cm. Cell size is 4-50 µm.
    Reproduction Reproduces either by simple fission or fragmentation. Reproduces by vegetative reproduction, fragmentation, or hormogonia.

    Both Nostoc and Anabaena are nitrogen-fixing cyanobacteria, but they differ in their habitat, morphology, and mode of reproduction.

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    Guilherme Mazui

    Guilherme Mazui is graduated in journalism from the Federal University of Minas Gerais (UFMG) and a master's degree in Communication from the University of São Paulo (USP). In addition, he has experience in advertising writing and has worked as a content editor in several companies.