Question

What is the role of Heterocyst in Nostoc?

Answer 1

Heterocyst:

1. They are colorless cells found in cyanobacteria. Plasmodesmata connections connect these cells with the surrounding cells and help them in getting nutrients from them.
2. The heterocyst are thick-walled cell inclusions that are impermeable to oxygen, they provide the anaerobic (oxygen-free) environment necessary for the operation of the nitrogen-fixing enzymes.

Role: Heterocyst are specialized cells, which contain the nitrogenase enzymethe site for nitrogen fixation.