Cyanobacterial Diversity: Environmental Effect and Ecosystem Functioning

Book excerpt: Cyanobacteria, represent an incredibly diverse group of photosynthetic microorganisms that can be found thriving in a variety of ecosystems around the world, playing a crucial role in maintaining the balance of our planet's atmosphere and contributing significantly to global primary production, which ultimately supports the growth and sustenance of countless other life forms. These remarkable organisms exhibit a fascinating array of morphological variations, allowing them to adapt and flourish even in the most extreme and inhospitable environments, such as hot springs, polar ice caps, and arid deserts. In recent years, the study of genetic diversity within cyanobacteria has garnered considerable interest among scientists, as it offers valuable insights into their evolutionary history, ecological roles, and potential applications in the burgeoning field of biotechnology, as well as the development and progression of the photosynthetic processes that have shaped our world and made it habitable for countless species throughout the eons.