Reproduction

Cyanobacteria reproduce asexually by fission. They have a bacterial chromosome called a genophore, which attaches to the plasma membrane and replicates.

After replication, the bacterium separates into two identical cells, however, Cyanobacteria cannot undergo meiosis and fertilization because they lack a nuceli, putting limitations on Cyanobacteria's genetic recombination.

Cyanobacteria has three ways of completing genetic exchange:
1. through conjugation pilus (connects two adjacent cells)
2. transformation (absorption of free DNA which is then expressed in host)
3. transduction (where virus enters Cyanobacteria and uses its DNA to replace already-present DNA in cell)

Also, mutations are also commonly seen in Cyanobacteria cells. All three of these scenarios help Cyanobacteria overcome its limitations for genetic recombination in reproduction.

[Microscope images of Cyanobacteria.]

(n.d) Introduction of Life on Earth Retrieved from: http://draget.net/hoe/index.php?p=p6 (04/17/2013)