HealthAugust 28, 2026

microcystin

MY-kroh-sis-tin

Definition

A type of toxic chemical (hepatotoxin) produced by certain species of cyanobacteria, often found during harmful algal blooms.

Etymology

The word is a compound of 'micro-' (from Greek 'mikros' meaning small) and 'cyst-' (from Greek 'kustis' meaning bladder or sac), combined with the chemical suffix '-in' to denote its nature as a toxin.

In the news

The article mentions microcystin in the context of the 2014 Toledo water crisis, where it contaminated the drinking supply and necessitated a city-wide 'do-not-drink' advisory.

UToledo Experts Create New Resources to Help Ohioans Navigate Harmful Algal Bloom Season

Read the full article ↗

UToledo News

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