Chapter 6.5, Problem 3R

Summary Introduction

To review:

The method by which glassy structures in diatoms reach the cell wall without the need to pass through a membrane.

Given:

The diatoms have a beautiful glassy appearance on their surface, as shown in Figure 1.

Figure 1: Eight diatom cells present inside their decorative cell walls.

Introduction:

Diatoms are a group of protists that are present in the waterways and the oceans. About 20% of the earth’s oxygen is produced by diatoms. Most of the diatoms are bilaterally symmetrical, which justifies their name. They are encased in a beautiful cell wall that is composed of the hydrated silicon dioxide (silica).