Arachnoidiscus sp. diatom, light micrograph

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Differential interference contrast (DIC) light micrograph of a single Arachnoidiscus sp. 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. Diatoms exist in huge numbers in marine and freshwater environments. They form an important part of the plankton at the base of the marine and freshwater food chains. Magnification: x425 when printed at 10 centimetres wide at its longest edge.

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Size: 5368px × 3579px
Location:
Photo credit: © HAKAN KVARNSTROM / SCIENCE PHOTO LIBRARY / Alamy / Afripics
License: Licensed
Model Released: No

Keywords: -, arachnoidiscus, background, biology, blue, botany, contrast, diatom, dic, differential, flora, food, frustule, interference, light, microbe, microbiology, micrograph, nature, photosynthetic, plankton, plant, primary, producer, silica, web