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nostoc Flashcards

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Biology 101 flashcards
1
Q

What is Nostoc?

A

Nostoc is the most common genus of Cyanobacteria (blue-green algae), found in both terrestrial and aquatic habitats.

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2
Q

What are some other names for Nostoc?

A

It is also known as “star jelly” or “spit of the moon.”

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3
Q

What are some other names for Nostoc?

A

It is also known as “star jelly” or “spit of the moon.”

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4
Q

Why is Nostoc called “star jelly”?

A

Due to its colonies, which are composed of filaments of moniliform cells within a gelatinous sheath of polysaccharides.

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5
Q

Describe the structure of Nostoc colonies.

A

They are made up of unbranched filamentous plant bodies, with many filaments aggregated within a gelatinous mass to form a colony.

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6
Q

What type of habitat does Nostoc inhabit?

A

Nostoc can be found in both terrestrial and aquatic environments.

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7
Q

What is the function of heterocysts in Nostoc?

A

Heterocysts are specialized cells in Nostoc filaments that aid in nitrogen fixation.

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8
Q

What is a hormogone in Nostoc?

A

A hormogone is a small fragment of a filament in nostoc that breaks away to form a new colony, aiding in vegetative reproduction.

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9
Q

What role do polysaccharides play in Nostoc colonies?

A

Polysaccharides form a gelatinous sheath around Nostoc filaments, providing protection and structural support.

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10
Q

What is an akinete, and what is its role in Nostoc?

A

An akinete is a thick-walled, dormant cell in Nostoc that allows it to survive under unfavorable environmental conditions.

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11
Q

Why is Nostoc important for ecosystems?

A

Nostoc is a key nitrogen fixer, contributing essential nutrients to both terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems.

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12
Q

How do Nostoc cells perform photosynthesis?

A

Nostoc cells use pigments like chlorophyll, phycocyanin, and phycoerythrin to capture light energy for photosynthesis.

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13
Q

How do Nostoc cells perform photosynthesis?

A

Nostoc cells use pigments like chlorophyll, phycocyanin, and phycoerythrin to capture light energy for photosynthesis.

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14
Q

How does Nostoc contribute to soil fertility?

A

By fixing atmospheric nitrogen, Nostoc enriches the soil with nitrogen, benefiting plant growth.

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15
Q

In what type of environments can Nostoc thrive?

A

Nostoc can survive in extreme environments, from deserts and arctic regions to nutrient-poor soils and water bodies.

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16
Q

What enables Nostoc to survive in harsh conditions?

A

The production of akinetes allows Nostoc to endure extreme temperatures and droughts.

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17
Q

What is the primary habitat of Nostoc?

A

Nostoc is found in both terrestrial and aquatic habitats.

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18
Q

What shape do the cells in Nostoc trichomes typically have?

A

The cells are rounded or oval, arranged like beads on a string within the trichomes.

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19
Q

What shape do the cells in Nostoc trichomes typically have?

A

The cells are rounded or oval, arranged like beads on a string within the trichomes.

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20
Q

What shape do the cells in Nostoc trichomes typically have?

A

The cells are rounded or oval, arranged like beads on a string within the trichomes.

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21
Q

Why is nostoc also known as “star jelly” or “spit of the moon”?

A

Due to the gelatinous appearance of its colonies.

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22
Q

What pigments are present in Nostoc cells?

A

Chlorophyll, phycocyanin, and phycoerythrin

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23
Q

Describe the basic structure of a nostoc colony.

A

Nostoc colony is made up of unbranched filamentous structures within a gelatinous sheath.

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24
Q

How are the cells in Nostoc trichomes arranged?

A

cells are arranged in a single row, resembling beads on a string.

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25
Q

What are heterocysts, and where are they located?

A

Heterocysts are nitrogen-fixing cells that are intercalary with two polar nodules.

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26
Q

How does Nostoc reproduce vegetatively?

A

Through the formation of hormogones and akinetes

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27
Q

How does Nostoc reproduce vegetatively?

A

Through the formation of hormogones and akinetes

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28
Q

What is the function of heterocysts?

A

They specialize in nitrogen fixation, converting atmospheric nitrogen into a form usable by the organism.

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29
Q

What color are Nostoc colonies?

A

Greenish to bluish-green.

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30
Q

What is a trichome in nostoc?

A

trichome is a chain of cells within the filament, often contorted or twisted.

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31
Q

What is a hormogone?

A

A fragment of a filament that detaches to form a new colony.

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32
Q

what structural feature distinguishes Nostoc filaments?

A

The presence of heterocysts within the filament, specialized for nitrogen fixation.

33
Q

How does Nostoc contribute to aquatic ecosystems?

A

By fixing nitrogen, Nostoc supports nutrient availability in water bodies.

34
Q

How does Nostoc respond to nutrient scarcity?

A

By producing akinetes, which can withstand periods of nutrient scarcity.

35
Q

What is the arrangement of cells in Nostoc trichomes called?

A

Moniliform, meaning arranged like beads on a string

36
Q

Why is Nostoc often found in symbiosis with plants?

A

It provides nitrogen to plants, forming beneficial partnerships.

37
Q

What enables Nostoc to survive extreme conditions?

A

The production of akinetes, which withstand temperature and moisture extremes.

38
Q

How are new nostoc colonies formed?

A

Through the release and growth of hormogones.

39
Q

What is the role of phycoerythrin in nostoc?

A

Phycoerythrin is a pigment that captures additional light wavelengths for photosynthesis.

40
Q

What does the pigment phycocyanin do for Nostoc?

A

It helps absorb specific wavelengths of light, aiding in photosynthesis.

41
Q

What environmental conditions can Nostoc thrive in?

A

Nostoc can thrive in diverse conditions, from deserts to nutrient-poor waters.

42
Q

What is an akinete?

A

a dormant, thick-walled cell that allows nostoc to survive in harsh conditions.

43
Q

What structural adaptation helps Nostoc colonies remain intact?

A

The gelatinous sheath helps colonies adhere together and stay protected.

44
Q

What structural adaptation helps Nostoc colonies remain intact?

A

The gelatinous sheath helps colonies adhere together and stay protected.

45
Q

In what ways is nostoc beneficial for ecosystems?

A

Nostoc enriches soil fertility, especially in nitrogen-poor environments.

46
Q

What role does chlorophyll play in nostoc?

A

Chlorophyll captures light energy for photosynthesis

47
Q

What role does chlorophyll play in Nostoc?

A

Chlorophyll captures light energy for photosynthesis.

48
Q

How does Nostoc contribute to nitrogen availability in soil?

A

By fixing atmospheric nitrogen, making it available for plant use.

49
Q

What type of polysaccharides surround Nostoc colonies?

A

A gelatinous sheath of polysaccharides provides protection and structural support.

50
Q

How does Nostoc obtain energy?

A

Through photosynthesis, using chlorophyll and other pigments.

51
Q

What is the function of polar nodules in heterocysts?

A

They help in nutrient exchange between heterocysts and vegetative cells in the filament.

52
Q

How does Nostoc impact its surroundings when in bloom?

A

It can alter nitrogen levels and create habitat conditions that benefit other organisms.

53
Q

What gives Nostoc colonies their gelatinous texture?

A

The secretion of polysaccharides around the filaments.

54
Q

In what ways can Nostoc colonies change over time?

A

Colonies can expand as new hormogones form and spread, and they can shrink under stress by producing akinetes.

55
Q

Why are heterocysts important for nitrogen fixation in nostoc?

A

They create an anaerobic environment necessary for nitrogenase, the enzyme responsible for nitrogen fixation.

56
Q

What defensive function does the gelatinous sheath serve?

A

It protects nostoc cells from desiccation and environmenta

57
Q

How does the presence of multiple pigments benefit nostoc?

A

Multiple pigments allow Nostoc to capture a broad range of light wavelengths, optimizing photosynthesis.

58
Q

What evolutionary advantage does nitrogen fixation provide Nostoc?

A

It allows nostoc to thrive in nitrogen-poor environments, where many other organisms cannot survive.

59
Q

What part of Zamia is associated with Nostoc punctiforme?

A

A: The roots of Zamia.

60
Q

In which plant does Nostoc punctiforme live as an endophyte within the thallus?

A

A: Anthoceros.

61
Q

Name a Nostoc species known to occur as an endophyte in other plants.

A

A: Nostoc punctiforme.

62
Q

Approximately how many species are included in the genus Nostoc?

A

A: About 200 species.

63
Q

Where do terrestrial species of Nostoc commonly grow?

A

A: On moist soil intermingled with small plants like liverworts, mosses, and lichens.

64
Q

Where do terrestrial species of Nostoc commonly grow?

A

A: On moist soil intermingled with small plants like liverworts, mosses, and lichens.

65
Q

What type of organism is Nostoc?

A

A: Nostoc is a genus of cyanobacteria.

66
Q

In what types of habitats can Nostoc be found?

A

A: Both terrestrial and aquatic habitats.

67
Q

What is the relationship between Nostoc punctiforme and its host plants?

A

It acts as an endophyte, living symbiotically within the host plant tissues.

68
Q

Which plant’s underground stems harbor Nostoc punctiforme as an endophyte?

A

Gunnera

69
Q

Which plant’s underground stems harbor Nostoc punctiforme as an endophyte?

A

Gunnera

70
Q

In Cycas, where is Nostoc punctiforme found?

A

In the coralloid roots of Cycas.

71
Q

In what kinds of environments does Nostoc particularly thrive?

A

Nostoc thrives in moist environments and nutrient-poor soils.

72
Q

Why is Nostoc important ecologically?

A

It provides nitrogen to the soil, supporting plant growth in nutrient-poor environments.

73
Q

What is a distinctive feature of Nostoc colonies in aquatic environments?

A

Nostoc colonies can form visible gelatinous clumps.

74
Q

In what form does Nostoc appear in aquatic habitats?

A

It may appear as floating colonies or in filamentous mats.

75
Q

What symbiotic role does Nostoc often play in its ecosystems?

A

Nostoc often engages in nitrogen fixation, contributing to soil fertility.

76
Q

How does Nostoc contribute to its plant hosts, such as in the case of Cycas?

A

Nostoc provides nitrogen fixation, which benefits the host plant.

77
Q

In Cycas, where is Nostoc punctiforme found?

A

In the coralloid roots of Cycas.

78
Q

In Cycas, where is Nostoc punctiforme found?

A

In the coralloid roots of Cycas.

plant science (3 decks)

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