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Abstract

Cyanobacteria are an ancient lineage with an extraordinary history of symbiotic associations with a wide variety of organisms. We focus on the cyanobacteria’s ability to fix atmospheric nitrogen and provide an overview of the conditions in which symbioses are formed, and the genes used to facilitate the uptake of nitrogen, with an emphasis on nitrogenases. We provide a brief overview of the genome changes in obligate interactions in inherited symbionts, captured symbionts, and in facultative symbionts. Many of the traits that differentiate symbiotic cyanobacteria from their free-living counterparts can be traced back to their genomes and in some cases, the phylogenetic history of a group. We hope to generate a guideline for comparative studies in cyanobacteria centered in their ability to fix nitrogen and be symbionts, and to aid in our understanding of their evolutionary history.