The position of cyanobacteria in the world of phototrophs

Abstract

Recent advances in our knowledge of the biological properties of the cyanobacteria (former «blue-green algae») are reviewed. The subjects discussed include: cyanobacterial cell structure and development; comparative aspects of photosyntetic structure and function in prokaryotes; carbon metabolism and its relation to obligate photoautotrophy; and special properties of cyanobacteria that are of ecological significance (temperature relationships, nitrogen fixation and facultative anoxygenic photosynthesis). © 1977 Carlsberg Laboratory.