Akinete
Sign in to savethumbnail|Intercalary located akinete of Dolichospermum smithii thumbnail|Terminally located akinete of Gloeotrichia thumb|right|Akinetes, also termed "cysts", of Haematococcus An akinete is an enveloped, thick-walled, non-motile, dormant cell formed by both cyanobacteria and algae. Cyanobacterial akinetes are mainly formed by filamentous, heterocyst-forming members under the order Nostocales and Stigonematales. Eukaryotic microalgae also produce akinetes, such as Haematococcus.
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thumbnail|Intercalary located akinete of Dolichospermum smithii thumbnail|Terminally located akinete of Gloeotrichia thumb|right|Akinetes, also termed "cysts", of Haematococcus An akinete is an enveloped, thick-walled, non-motile, dormant cell formed by both cyanobacteria and algae. Cyanobacterial akinetes are mainly formed by filamentous, heterocyst-forming members under the order Nostocales and Stigonematales. Eukaryotic microalgae also produce akinetes, such as Haematococcus.
During akinete formation, cells accumulate and store various essential material, allowing the akinete to serve as a survival structure for up to many years. The cell akinetes are resistant to cold and desiccation. However, akinetes are not resistant to heat. Once conditions become more favorable for growth, the akinete can then germinate back into a vegetative cell. Increased light intensity, nutrient availability, oxygen availability, and changes in salinity are important triggers for germination.