Hi. I'm having some trouble in identifying heterocysts in my samples of true-branched filamentous cyanobacteria, mostly Stigonema. Are these structures pointed by the red lines heterocysts? I wonder that because these are structures unlike the other regular cells. Thanks in advance!
It is not easy to tell from these pictures, but they look to me like cells that could be in an early stage of forming lateral heterocytes.
These could also be points of initiations of new true branches as the trichome has many lateral cells at the point of origin of branches. If you look at the rectangular cells in proximity to these lateral cells then a distinct presence of polar nodules can be observed...which is a telltale sign of a cell being a heterocyst.
Dear Dr. Abhishek Mukherjee
Thanks for your response. A third researcher, a renowned algal expert from Brazil also corroborated such structures as heterocysts. However, I thank you for insight. In that regard, as to the possibility of the structure sbeing initiations of new true branches, I would like to share with you the picture attached. It depicts some intumescence and agglomeration of cells which I believe are starters of new branches. Would you agree with that assessment?
But the plane of division of the cells in the image you have sent me is rather horizontal than vertical, one might expect the latter if lateral protuberances are to be formed out of a division to eventuate in branches. These could also be cases of sporadic biseriate arrangement of cells in Stigonema filament which is not unheard of.
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