Genes coding for hepatotoxic heptapeptides (microsystins) in the cyanobacterium anabena strain 90

Cyanobacteria are known to produce a wide variety of bioactive compounds of which many are potent toxins that cause health problems for humans as well as animals. Microsystins are found in cyanobacteria of three planktonic genera and since the genes of microsystin biosynthesis from three major producers are known, it is possible to design probes and primers to identify the toxin producers in the environment.