Isolation and characterization of a Mastigocladus species capable of growth, N(2)-fixation and N-assimilation at elevated temperature.

A Mastigocladus species was isolated from the hot spring of Jakrem (Meghalaya) India. Uptake and utilization of nitrate, nitrite, ammonium and amino acids (glutamine, asparagine, arginine, alanine) were studied in this cyanobacterium grown at different temperatures (25°C, 45°C). There was 2-3 fold increase in the heterocyst formation and nitrogenase activity in N-free medium at higher temperature (45°C).