Diatoms. Coloured scanning electron micrograph (SEM) of an arrangement of diatoms to show their diversity. Diatoms are planktonic unicellular algae. The characteristic feature of diatoms is their intricately patterned, glass-like cell wall, or frustule. The frustule often has rows of tiny holes, known as striae. Diatoms may be extremely abundant in both freshwater and marine ecosystems; it is estimated that 20% to 25% of all organic carbon fixation on the planet is carried out by diatoms. This is possible because they contain chlorophyll. Diatoms are a major food resource for marine and freshwater microorganisms and animal larvae, and are a major source of atmospheric oxygen. | |
Licence : | Droits gérés |
Crédit: | Science Photo Library / Gschmeissner, Steve |
Taille de l’image : | 4763 px × 6858 px |
Model Release : | Non requis |
Property Release : | Non requis |
Restrictions : | - |