Spontaneous mutation of the cyanobacterium Nostoc muscorum to a caesium resistant (Cs+-R) phenotype resulted in severe impairment of its nitrogenase activity, oxygenic photosynthesis, chlorophyll a content and osmotolerance. Among alkali cations only Cs+ or Rb+ restored these physiological processes to an almost normal level. Parent and mutant were similar with respect to Cs+ or Rb+ uptake and accumulation and also to regulation by NH4+. The ions Na+ or K+, at much higher concentration, significantly influenced Cs+ uptake and accumulation in both the mutant and the parent. These findings have important implications for cyanobacteria growing in Cs+-polluted habitats.