Diatom. Light micrograph of a diatom (Navicula sp.). Diatoms are single-celled microscopic algae. They have an intricately patterned glass- like cell

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Diatom. Light micrograph of a diatom (Navicula sp.). 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 together like two parts of a pillbox. This diatom is elongate in shape, other types can be spherical or circular. Diatoms are found in both marine and freshwater, and are a major constituent of plankton. As such, they are of great importance to the food chains in their environment. Differential interference contrast technique. Magnification: x248 at 35mm size.

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Size: 5116px × 3504px
Photo credit: © SINCLAIR STAMMERS/SCIENCE PHOTO LIBRARY / Alamy / Afripics
License: Licensed
Model Released: No

Keywords: alga, algae, algal, botany, diatom, diatoms, frustule, light, micrograph, nature, navicula, naviculoid, phytoplankton, plankton, plant, sp., type