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Definition

noun, plural: blue-green algae

Any member of the group of prokaryotes characterized by having the following general features:

• primarily photosynthetic, i.e. chlorophyll on intracytoplasmic membranes are present and involved in photosynthesis
• blue-green in colour due to the presence of phycobiliproteins.
• occurring singly (unicellular) or in colonies (filamentous, e.g. Anabaena sp.)
• heterocysts capable of nitrogen fixation
• nonmotile or by gliding motility
• reproduce by binary fission

Supplement

The blue-green algae are named as such because of the blue green colour of their cells due to the presence of phycobiliproteins.

Also called: blue-green bacterium.

Related term:

• Cyanophyta