Oscillatoria is a genus of filamentous cyanobacterium which is named for the oscillation in its movement. Filaments in the colonies can slide back and forth against each other until the whole mass is reoriented to its light source. It is commonly found in watering-troughs waters, and is mainly blue-green or brown-green. Oscillatoria is an organism that reproduces by fragmentation. Oscillatoria forms long filaments of cells which can break into fragments called hormogonia. The hormogonia can grow into a new, longer filament. Breaks in the filament usually occur where dead cells (necridia) are present. Oscillatoria uses photosynthesis to survive and reproduce. Each filament of oscillatoria consists of trichome which is made up of rows of cells. The tip of the trichome oscillates like a pendulum.

Oscillatoria sp. is the subject of research into the natural production of butylated hydroxytoluene (BHT),^[1] an antioxidant, food additive and industrial chemical.

Oscillatoria contains the following species:^[2]

References

• http://faculty.mdc.edu/jmorata/Slide%20Study%20Gyomamauide.pdf