Chapter 26.4, Problem 3R

Summary Introduction

To review:

Two ways, in which diatoms are important for human society.

Introduction:

Diatoms are unicellular eukaryotes found in oceans and have cell walls deposited with silica. These silica-impregnated walls possess intricate patterns, unique to each species. Diatoms exhibit bilateral and radial symmetry. They appear yellow or brown, due to the presence of carotenoids and hence, are photosynthetic. The fossilized shells of diatoms are mined from the seabed for numerous uses.