Question

What is the nature of cell-walls in diatoms?

Answer 1

1. Frustules are the name given to the cell walls of diatoms. Most of the cellulose that makes up the cell wall is loaded with silica that resembles glass.
2. It is made up of two thecas, or overlapping halves, that fit together similarly to the two sections of a petri dish or soap box. The lower half, or case, is referred to as the hypotheca, and the upper half, or lid, as the epitheca.
3. The outer layer has tiny ridges, pits, pores, and patterns. Diatoms' siliceous frustules are difficult to decompose. They accumulate to form large heaps known as diatomite or diatomaceous earth at the bottom of water reservoirs.
4. In some places, it may stretch for several hundred metres, from which the same can be extracted.