Arthrospira platensis


Arthrospira platensis is a filamentous, gram-negative cyanobacterium. This bacterium is non-nitrogen-fixing photoautotroph. It has been isolated in Chenghai Lake, China, soda lakes of East Africa, and subtropical, alkaline lakes.

Morphology

Arthrospira platensis is filamentous, motile bacterium. Motility has been described as a vigorous gliding without a visible flagella.

Metabolism

As a photoautotroph the major carbon source is carbon dioxide and water is a source of elections to perform CO2 reduction.

Genetics

Arthrospira platensis has a single circular chromosome containing 6.8 Mb and 6,631 genes. The G+C content has been determined to be 44.3%.

Growth conditions

Arthrospira platensis has been found in environments with high concentrations of carbonate and bicarbonate. It can also be found in high salt concentrations because of its alkali and salt tolerance. The temperature optimum for this organism is around 35°C. Based on environmental conditions, culture medium often has a pH between 9-10, inorganic salts, and a high bicarbonate concentration.

Uses

There are various present and past uses for A. platensis. As a result of useful food properties, It has previously been known as 'Spirulina' .Being a useful food property and containing beta-carotene, it is an important health supplement. After Chernobyl disaster, A. platensis was used to treat radiation sickness symptoms. Not only are there various health benefits of this bacterium, but it also plays a role in energy production. Since the cells contains hydrogenase, it has become a useful material in clean energy production.