Introduction to the cyanobacteria

Abstract

Summary: Features of cyanobacteria are introduced for non-specialists by highlighting topics in the various chapters. Aspects where much more is known now than a decade ago are pointed out, such as the importance of cyanobacterial nitrogen fixation in the oceans. This is followed by an account of the recent molecular studies most relevant for ecologists, especially topics not mentioned elsewhere in the book. Several ecological subjects of current interest are discussed, including research which seems important, but has sometimes been overlooked. Topics mentioned include sensing the environment and other organisms and signalling between cyanobacterial cells and between cyanobacteria and other organisms, and methods for studying N and P. The authors air their views on past and present matters concerning cyanobacterial taxonomy and nomenclature. Finally, comments are made on practical topics such as the use of cyanobacteria for inoculating soils, barley straw to control blooms and the likely contribution of cyanobacteria to developments in algal biotechnology during the coming decade.