Cyanobacteria

Common synonyms include: blue-green algae, blue-green bacteria, cyanophytes, oxygenic bacteria, photosynthetic bacteria.

noun

noun ·Rare ·Advanced level

Definitions

Noun

1
plural of cyanobacterium. form-of, plural
"Oxygen levels on Earth skyrocketed 2.4 billion years ago, when cyanobacteria evolved photosynthesis: the ability to convert water and carbon dioxide into carbohydrates and waste oxygen using solar energy."
2
predominantly photosynthetic prokaryotic organisms containing a blue pigment in addition to chlorophyll; occur singly or in colonies in diverse habitats; important as phytoplankton wordnet

"Phosphorus provides nourishment for cyanobacteria (blue algae) which multiply and release toxins."