Cyanophycin

/ˌsaɪ.ən.oʊ.ˈfɪ.sɪn/ noun

Definition

A polymer compound found in cyanobacteria that stores nitrogen and serves as a nutrient reserve for the cells.

Etymology

From Cyanophyceae (cyanobacteria) + -in (chemical compound suffix). Named for its association with the blue-green bacteria where it's found.

Kelly Says

Cyanophycin is like the muscle protein of bacteria—it stores nitrogen that the cell can break down when it needs amino acids to build proteins and grow.

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