Diatom. Coloured scanning electron micrograph (SEM) of an Arachnoidiscus japonicus diatom. Diatoms are single-celled photosynthetic algae, of which th

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Diatom. Coloured scanning electron micrograph (SEM) of an Arachnoidiscus japonicus diatom. Diatoms are single-celled photosynthetic algae, of which there are about 100,000 species. They have mineralised cell walls (frustules) that contain silica and provide protection and support. The diatoms form an important part of the plankton at the base of the marine and freshwater food chains.

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Size: 4134px × 4134px
Photo credit: © STEVE GSCHMEISSNER/SCIENCE PHOTO LIBRARY / Alamy / Afripics
License: Licensed
Model Released: No

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