Comparison between cyanobacteria and algae

By: Prof. Dr. Fazal Rehman | Last updated: February 3, 2024

Let me share with you a comparison between cyanobacteria and algae.

 

Aspect Cyanobacteria Algae
Classification Prokaryotic cells with no membrane-bound nucleus or organelles Eukaryotic cells with a membrane-bound nucleus and organelles
Pigments ·        Chlorophyll a (primary pigment)

·        Phycocyanin

·        Other accessory pigments

·        Chlorophyll a

·        Chlorophyll b

·        Carotenoids

·        xanthophylls

Cell wall composition Peptidoglycan Cellulose
Types of reproduction ·        Binary fission

·        Fragmentation

·        Hormogonia formation

·        Binary fission

·        Fragmentation

·        Spore formation

·        Sexual reproduction

Habitat ·        Freshwater

·        Marine environments

·        Terrestrial habitats

·        Freshwater

·        Marine environments

·        Damp terrestrial environments

Role in nitrogen fixation Fix atmospheric nitrogen into a usable form Algae do not fix atmospheric nitrogen
Ecological Role Some bacteria form symbiotic relationships with plants e.g., lichens Provide oxygen and serve as the base of the food chain
Cellular Organization Unicellular or multicellular with simple structures Multicellular
Motility ·        Gliding movement

·        Oscillatory movement, often facilitated by gas vesicles

·        Some are non-motile

·        Others may have flagella or other structures for movement

Uses ·        Used as food supplements e.g., Spirulina

·        Bioremediation

·        In agriculture for nitrogen fixation

·        Used in various industries, including food production e.g., seaweed

·        Biofuel production

·        As indicators of water quality

Examples

 

 

·        Anabaena

·        Spirulina

·        Nostoc

 

·        Chlamydomonas

·        Diatoms

·        Spirogyra

·        Ulva

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