Question

16. The cell of some colonial bacteria become specialized for certain functions. What are the functions of the following: vegetative cells, akinetes, and heterocysts?

Answer 1

Functions of the following :-

1)Vegetative cells:-

Vegetative cells are normally growing cells that form endospores.By forming spores bacteria can survive in hostile conditions.Spores are resistant to heat,desiccation,chemicals and radiation.

2) Akinetes :-

Akinetes are resistant to cold and desiccation.They also accumulate and store various materials which makes akinetes a survival structure for bacteria for many years.

3) Heterocysts :-

Heterocyst is a differentiated cyanobacterial cell which helps in nitrogen fixation.It functions as site of nitrogen fixation in aerobic condition.They are formed when there is lack of fixed Nitrogen in bacterial cell.