Scytonema is a genus of photosynthetic cyanobacteria that contains over 100 species. It grows in filaments that form dark mats. Many species are aquatic and are either free-floating or grow attached to a submerged substrate, while others species grow on terrestrial rocks, wood, soil, or plants. Scytonema is a nitrogen fixer, and can provide fixed nitrogen to the leaves of plants on which it is growing.[1] Some species of Scytonema form a symbiotic relationship with fungi to produce a lichen.

Scytonema
Heterocyst of Scytonema crispum
Scytonema, illustration
Scientific classification Edit this classification
Domain: Bacteria
Phylum: Cyanobacteria
Class: Cyanophyceae
Order: Nostocales
Family: Scytonemataceae
Genus: Scytonema
C.Agardh ex É.Bornet & C.Flahault, 1886
Type species
Scytonema hofmanii
Species

See text.

Heterocyst of Scytonema crispum
Scyptolin A

Scyptolins are a type of elastase inhibitors isolated from some species of Scytonema.[2]

A study comparing red macroalgae to Scytonema species showed their potential for cosmetical use, both for their antioxidants properties and photoprotection capacities due to their compounds MAAs, and scytonemin (unique to Scytonema).[3] This study indicated that they could be used as photoprotectors absorbing both in the UV-B and UV-A.

Species

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Scytonema includes the following subtaxa:[4]

References

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  1. ^ "Scytonema.web". Archived from the original on 2010-06-19. Retrieved 2010-03-09.
  2. ^ Matern, Ute; Schleberger, Christian; Jelakovic, Stjepan; Weckesser, Jürgen; Schulz, Georg E. (Oct 2003). "Binding structure of elastase inhibitor scyptolin A". Chemistry & Biology. 10 (10): 997–1001. doi:10.1016/j.chembiol.2003.10.001. ISSN 1074-5521. PMID 14583266.
  3. ^ Vega, Julia; Schneider, Geniane; Moreira, Bruna R.; Herrera, Carolina; Bonomi-Barufi, José; Figueroa, Félix L. (January 2021). "Mycosporine-Like Amino Acids from Red Macroalgae: UV-Photoprotectors with Potential Cosmeceutical Applications". Applied Sciences. 11 (11): 5112. doi:10.3390/app11115112.
  4. ^ M.D. Guiry in Guiry, M.D. & Guiry, G.M. 2018. AlgaeBase. World-wide electronic publication, National University of Ireland, Galway. http://www.algaebase.org/search/genus/detail/?genus_id=Rc504974e8d4a0331; searched on 17 August 2018.
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