The Formation of Spore-Like Akinetes: A Survival Strategy of Filamentous Cyanobacteria

Some cyanobacteria of the order Nostocales can form akinetes, spore-like dormant cells resistant to various unfavorable environmental fluctuations. Akinetes are larger than vegetative and contain large quantities reserve products, mainly glycogen nitrogen storage polypeptide polymer cyanophycin. enveloped in a thick protective coat containing multilayered structure able germinate into new under suitable growth conditions. Here, we summarize significant morphological physiological changes that occur during akinete differentiation germination present our investigation function cyanophycin these cellular processes. We show production is not required for formation akinetes filamentous cyanobacterium <i>Anabaena variabilis</i> ATCC 29413.