Does Heterocyst Have Cell Wall?

The heterocysts' unique structure and physiology require a global change in gene expression. For example, heterocysts: produce three additional cell walls, including one of glycolipid that forms a hydrophobic barrier to oxygen. produce nitrogenase and other proteins involved in nitrogen fixation.

What is the structure of heterocyst?

Structural details of the heterocyst are: the presence of three additional wall layers, the absence of granules, sparse thylakoid network throughout, except at the poles where a dense coiling of membranes occurs.

Why do heterocysts have thickened cell walls?

They are the site of nitrogen fixation, for which they produce the enzyme nitrogenase. The lack of photosynthetic activity (which would produce oxygen), together with the thick cell wall, are thought to maintain the anoxic conditions in heterocysts that are essential for the activity of nitrogenase.