heterocystous

/ˌhɛtərəˈsɪstəs/
adjective
  1. Relating to or having heterocysts (specialized cells in certain algae that fix nitrogen).
    • Many heterocystous species form symbiotic relationships with plants.
    • The heterocystous cyanobacteria are important for nitrogen fixation in rice paddies.
    • Under a microscope, the heterocystous filaments showed clear, thick-walled cells.
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