Query: NC_017277:96325 Synechocystis sp. PCC 6803, complete genome
Lineage: Synechocystis; Synechocystis; ; Chroococcales; Cyanobacteria; Bacteria
General Information: Photosynthesis. Synechocystis is a genus of cyanobacteria primarily represented by the strain Synechocystis sp. PCC6803. S. sp. PCC6803 lives in freshwater and is capable of both phototrophic growth by oxygenic photosynthesis in sunlight and heterotrophic growth by glycolysis and oxidative phosphorylation during dark periods. It is able to effectively anticipate transitions of light and dark phases by using a circadian clock.
Subject: NC_007604:168176 Synechococcus elongatus PCC 7942, complete genome
Lineage: Synechococcus elongatus; Synechococcus; Synechococcaceae; Chroococcales; Cyanobacteria; Bacteria
General Information: This strain is a freshwater organism and is extensively studied due to its circadian clock which controls the expression of upwards of 800 genes during a 24 hour period. These unicellular cyanobacteria are also known as blue green algae and along with Prochlorococcus are responsible for a large part of the carbon fixation that occurs in marine environments. Synechococcus have a broader distribution in the ocean and are less abundant in oligotrophic (low nutrient) regions. These organism utilize photosystem I and II to capture light energy. They are highly adapted to marine environments and some strains have evolved unique motility systems in order to propel themselves towards areas that contain nitrogenous compounds. An obligate photoautotroph, it has been studied extensively by an international research community with respect to acquisition of organic carbon, transport and regulation of nitrogen compounds, adaptation to nutrient stresses, and reponse to light intensity.