Question

What are the diagnostic characters of diatoms? Write the uses of diatoms.

Answer 1

Hint:Diatom is of the class Bacillariophyceae, Several members of the class algae Bacillariophyceae, with more or less 16,000 species found in sediments or solid substances attachment in the water bodies of Earth.

Complete answer
Diagnostic characters of diatoms:
>Diatoms mostly found in aquatic and terrestrial habitats with moisture.
>They may be free-floating or bottom dwellers.
>They may show a gliding type of movement with the help of mucilage.
>The body is covered by a transparent siliceous shell known as a frustule. The frustule is made of two valves that fit together like a soapbox.
>The decomposition of siliceous frustules of diatoms is tough. They pile up at the bottom of water reservoirs and form big heaps called diatomaceous earth.

Uses of diatoms:
>Diatoms are very important photosynthesizers. About half of all the organic matter synthesized in the world is believed to be produced by them.
>The oils extracted from some fishes and whales are actually the ones produced by diatoms.
>Diatomite deposits are often accompanied by petroleum fields. Much of the petroleum of today is probably due to decayed bodies of the past diatoms.
>Diatomite is porous and chemically inert. It is, therefore, used in filtration of sugar, alcohols, oil, syrup, and antibiotics.
>Diatomite is employed as a cleaning agent in kinds of toothpaste and metal polishes.

Note:Diatoms are among the most important and prolific microscopic sea organisms and services directly or indirectly as food for many animals.