Heterocystous

/ˌhɛtərəˈsɪstəs/ adjective

Definition

Describing cyanobacteria or organisms that possess heterocysts as specialized cells for nitrogen fixation.

Etymology

From heterocyst with Latin adjectival ending -ous, describing the characteristic of having these specialized nitrogen-fixing cells.

Kelly Says

Heterocystous cyanobacteria are agricultural heroes—they fertilize rice paddies across Asia naturally, and scientists are trying to transfer their nitrogen-fixing superpowers to other crops like wheat and corn!

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