Diatoms. Coloured scanning electron micrograph (SEM) of Aulacoseira sp. diatoms. Diatoms may be extremely abundant in both freshwater and marine ecosy
Diatoms. Coloured scanning electron micrograph (SEM) of Aulacoseira sp. diatoms. 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. A unique feature of diatom cells is that they are enclosed within a cell wall made of silica (hydrated silicon dioxide) called a frustule. Magnification: x1300 when printed at 10 centimetres wide. Specimen courtesy of Mike Allen, Plymouth Marine Laboratory.
Size: 4572px × 4375px
Photo credit: © STEVE GSCHMEISSNER/SCIENCE PHOTO LIBRARY / Alamy / Afripics
License: Licensed
Model Released: No
Keywords: -, aulacoseira, colonial, colored, coloured, design, diatom, diatoms, diversity, ecological, ecology, fauna, frustule, frustules, invertebrate, invertebrates, marine, multiple, nature, pattern, phytoplankton, plankton, planktonic, plant, rounded, sem, single-celled, unicellular