| Abstract: | Flakes of Aphanizomenon flos-aquae collected from an ice-covered lake were found to contain all developmental stages from vegetative cells to mature akinetes. Changes during development include increase in cell size, gradual disappearance of gas vacuoles (clusters of gas vesicles), narrowing of intrathylakoidal spaces, and increase in cytoplasmic density. Development of akinetes is accompanied by proliferation of ribosomes, including polyribosomes, cyanophycin granules (structured, granules), and glycogen granules. The lipid bodies of vegetative cells are reduced in size and number in mature akinetes. Akinetes may occur singly or as multiples in sequence in a filament, either terminal or intercalary. Loss of flotation by increase in cytoplasmic density permits filaments to sink and overwinter in bottom sediments. The sequence was found to be reversed during germination of akinetes. Cyanophycin granules are reduced in size and staining density in the sporelings, and very few glycogen granules are seen. Gas vesicles reappear and increase in number, and intrathylakoidal spaces become wider. These changes then would permit the sporelings to rise from the bottom and begin another season's bloom. |
