Oscillatoria
Oscillatoria is a genus of filamentous cyanobacterium which is often found in freshwater environments, such as hot springs, and appears blue-green.[1] Its name refers to the oscillating motion of its filaments as they slide against each other to position the colony facing a light source.[2] Oscillatoria reproduces by fragmentation, facilitated by dead cells which separate a filament into separate sections, or hormogonia, which then grow.[1] Oscillatoria uses photosynthesis to survive and reproduce. Each filament of oscillatoria consists of trichome[clarification needed]which is made up of rows of cells. The tip of the trichome oscillates like a pendulum. in reproduction, it takes place by vegetative means only. Usually the filament breaks into a number of fragments called hormogonia. Each hormogonium consist of one or more cells and grow into a filament by cell division in one direction.
Oscillatoria are the subject of research into the natural production of butylated hydroxytoluene (BHT),[3] an antioxidant, food additive and industrial chemical.
