Anabaena

/ˌænəˈbiːnə/ noun

Definition

A genus of cyanobacteria (blue-green algae) that forms long filaments and can fix nitrogen from the air.

Etymology

From Greek 'ana-' (up) and 'baino' (to go), referring to the upward movement of gas bubbles in water. The scientific name was coined in the 19th century to describe these aquatic microorganisms.

Kelly Says

Anabaena is one of the most important organisms you've never heard of—it literally fixes nitrogen from the atmosphere and feeds entire ecosystems, plus it can produce toxins that poison drinking water supplies, making it both essential and dangerous!

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