Given figure is of filamentous blue green alga Nostoc....

Given figure is of filamentous blue green alga Nostoc. Identify the parts marked as $\mathrm{A}$ and $\mathrm{B}$ and select the correct option.
A
(a) Heterocyst Mucilaginous sheath
(b) Vegetative cell Mucilaginous sheath
(c) Trichomes cell wall
(d) Mucilaginous sheath Heterocyst

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Key Concepts

Vegetative Cell

Vegetative cells are the standard photosynthetic cells in filamentous cyanobacteria that carry out energy production through photosynthesis. They form the bulk of the filament and support the overall growth and metabolism of the organism.

Filamentous Structure

The filamentous structure refers to the linear arrangement of cells in cyanobacteria, where cells are connected to form chains. This organization allows for cellular differentiation, such as the formation of heterocysts for nitrogen fixation, and ensures efficient distribution of resources along the filament.

Heterocyst

A heterocyst is a specialized cell found within filamentous cyanobacteria that is dedicated to nitrogen fixation. It has a thickened cell wall to maintain an anaerobic environment for the nitrogenase enzyme and is morphologically distinct from the photosynthetic vegetative cells.

Mucilaginous Sheath

The mucilaginous sheath is a gelatinous, polysaccharide-rich layer that envelops the cell or filament in some cyanobacteria. It serves protective functions such as preventing desiccation, shielding against environmental stresses, and aiding in colony cohesion.

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