Trichodesmium spp. are diazotrophic cyanobacteria that exist as single filaments (trichomes) and as macroscopic colonies of varying shapes, that may form enormous surface accumulations (‘blooms’) visible to the naked eye. Trichodesmium’s unique ability to fix atmospheric Nitrogen along with its massive blooms, makes this fully photoautotrophic genus a vital player in the biogeochemical cycling of basic elements in contemporary oceans.

Although research has been done on this globally important diazotroph, little is known about its cell division physiology. During my work, I will try to deepen the knowledge on the physiology of cell division in single trichomes and within colonies.