The Invisible ABCs

Exploring the World of Microbes...

Letter G

Lyngbya

Habitat:

 

Lyngbya is a bacterium with cylinder-shaped cells that link together to form long filaments.  It is found in the ocean.

 

Importance:

 

Lyngbya is a microorganism that harvests its energy from sunlight using a process known as photosynthesis.  During photosynthesis, oxygen is released.  In addition, Lyngbya and other photosynthetic microbes are the basis for the food chain in aquatic environments.

When marine environments are polluted, Lyngbya can grow to high density and cover corals in reefs and grasses near the shore.  As a result, the coral and sea grass can be killed.

 

Classification:

 

Lyngbya is a type of thin-walled bacteria that are known as a cyanobacteria.  Cyanobacteria are photosynthetic.  Lyngbya has a mucous coating that surrounds the filaments.