Oscillatoria willei
 | This article needs additional citations for verification. (July 2016) |
| Oscillatoria willei | |
|---|---|
Scientific classification 
| |
| Domain: | Bacteria |
| Phylum: | Cyanobacteria |
| Class: | Cyanophyceae |
| Order: | Oscillatoriales |
| Family: | Oscillatoriaceae |
| Genus: | Oscillatoria |
| Species: | O. willei
|
| Binomial name | |
| Oscillatoria willei | |
Oscillatoria willei is a species of bacteria that is able to photosynthesize to make food, similarly to plants.
Anatomy[edit]
Bacteria of the genus Oscillatoria occur in rows of cells of similar size. They form filaments called trichomes. Many trichomes are enveloped in a firm casing, but in this genus the casing is almost non-existent. This gives the filaments easier mobility in all directions.
Nitrogen fixing ability[edit]
This species of Oscillatoria is able to fix nitrogen, but unlike other bacteria, it is uncertain whether or not it has cells specialized for that particular purpose.
Hormogonia[edit]
Fragments of filaments of Oscillatoria willei are called hormogonia. They consist of dozens of cells, which sometimes break off to reproduce by establishing new colonies.
Danger to Humans[edit]
Like all species of Oscillatoria, this species can cause skin irritation in humans who come in close contact with them in the tropics.[1]
References[edit]
- ^ Ocean, American Museum of Natural History, 2015