Inhibition of cell division blocks the synthesis of the second nitrogenase (Nif2) in the cyanobacterium Anabaena variabilis

Anabaena variabilis ATCC 29413 belongs to the cyanobacteria that use a specific cell type, heterocysts, for fixation of atmospheric nitrogen under aerobic conditions. Nitrogen fixation under anaerobic conditions is catalyzed by a Mo-dependent nitrogenase (Nif2) that is expressed in the vegetative cells. We demonstrate here using immunolocalization/light microscopy (LM) that the synthesis of NifH2 is mainly initiated in dividing vegetative cells along the trichomes. Blocking cell division by cephalexin abolished nitrogenase synthesis under anaerobic conditions.