Cyanobacterial motility

Cyanobacterial motility is the ability of cyanobacteria to move independently using metabolic energy. Cyanobacterial motility, primarily through gliding, twitching, or buoyancy regulation, is an important adaptation for navigating heterogeneous environments, optimizing resource acquisition, and supporting community dynamics. The ability to move independently can enhance survival, colonization, and ecological interactions. It comes with trade-offs, including high energy costs, limited speed, and environmental dependencies. These characteristics reflect cyanobacteria's evolutionary balance between mobility and resource conservation in diverse habitats, from marine ecosystems to soil crusts.