RM
LM of a diatom, Navicula sp.
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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