Light micrograph of a marine diatom (unidentified) found at 50 metres depth off the Maldive Islands. Diatoms are single-celled microscopic algae. They have an intricately patterned glass-like cell wall or frustule. This frustule is made of silica and pectin. The wall is in two halves which fit toge- ther like two parts of a pill box. One slightly larger half acts as the lid to the box. Only one half can be seen here from above. This circular (centric) diatom is perfectly symmetrical; another major group of diatoms are elongate. Found in both marine and fresh water environments,and in the soil,diatoms are of great importance to food chains. Magnification: x240 at 6x7cm size | |
Licence : | Droits gérés |
Crédit: | Science Photo Library / Burbidge, John |
Taille de l’image : | 3517 px × 5085 px |
Model Release : | Non requis |
Property Release : | Non requis |
Restrictions : | - |