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Updated by Linhle Nkalanga on May 04, 2025
Headline for Adopt an Environmentally significant Bacterium- Trichodesmium erythraeum
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Linhle Nkalanga Linhle Nkalanga
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Adopt an Environmentally significant Bacterium- Trichodesmium erythraeum

Listly by Linhle Nkalanga

My adopted bacterium is Trichodesmium erythraeum, a marine cyanobacterium that plays a vital role in the ocean's ecosystem. It is capable of nitrogen fixation, converting atmospheric nitrogen into a form usable by other organisms. Its remarkable capabilities are what drew me to it.

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Habitat associated with this bacterium -Marine/Ocean Habitat

Habitat associated with this bacterium -Marine/Ocean Habitat

Trichodesmium erythraeum is found in tropical and subtropical ocean waters, typically between 40°N and 40°S latitude. It thrives in warm, nutrient-poor waters, often forming large colonies in surface waters.

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Here's the Microscopic image of the organism in question!

Here's the Microscopic image of the organism in question!

Below is the Taxonomical classification of this Micro-organism

Trichodesmium erythraeum

-Kingdom: Bacteria
-Phylum: Cyanobacteria
-Class: Cyanophyceae
-Order: Oscillatoriales
-Family: Microcoleaceae
-Genus: Trichodesmium
-Species: T. erythraeum

Characteristics and Morphology

  1. (https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Trichodesmium_erythraeum&oldid=1269401942). 2.https://www.researchgate.net/figure/Annual-mean-and-standard-deviation-in-parentheses-of-biotic-and-abiotic-parameters_tbl1_234008311.
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Winter blooms in Trichodesmium

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Links for Ecological Importance, Applications and challenges faced by Trichodesmium

Ecological Role
1.Applications & Benefits
2.https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s12649-025-02902-3

[Challenge]https://nopr.niscpr.res.in/bitstream/123456789/10669/1/IJMS%2039%283%29%20323-333.pdf

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Ethical considerations in bioprospecting and genetic engineering

Trichodesmium erythraeum's nitrogen-fixing genes raise questions about patenting and ownership.
Bioprospecting for T. erythraeum's genes requires informed consent from coastal communities.
Genetic engineering of T. erythraeum must consider unintended environmental consequences.
Responsible use of T. erythraeum's genetic resources demands equitable benefit sharing.
Transparent labeling and regulation are necessary for safe use of T. erythraeum-based products.