Diatom SEM
by Eye of Science
Title
Diatom SEM
Artist
Eye of Science
Medium
Photograph - Photography
Description
Diatom (Asteromphalus sp.) (probably A. humboldtii) from a South Atlantic ocean deep sea probe. Diatoms are unicellular algae. The unique feature of diatom anatomy is that they are surrounded by a cell wall made of silica (hydrated silicon dioxide), called a frustule. Diatom morphology varies. Although the shape of the cell is typically circular, some cells may be triangular, square or elliptical. The cell itself consists of two halves, each containing an essentially flat plate, or valve and marginal connecting, or girdle band. One half, the hypotheca, is slightly smaller than the other half, the epitheca. Due to the rigid shell, the diatoms multiply through transverse division (hence the Greek name: diatomein = to split). Diatoms occur in salt and fresh water, and are the main constituent of marine phytoplankton. They generate a large part of atmospheric oxygen. Large deposits of diatom shells are called kieselguhr, diatomaceous earth, or diatomite. Magnification 2500x.
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October 25th, 2020
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