Skip to main content

Vocabulary Term Details

Diatoms

Definition (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Diatoms)

Diatoms are a major group of algae, and are one of the most common types of phytoplankton. Most diatoms are unicellular, although they can exist as colonies in the shape of filaments or ribbons (e.g. Fragilaria), fans (e.g. Meridion), zigzags (e.g. Tabellaria), or stellate colonies (e.g. Asterionella). Diatoms are producers within the food chain. A characteristic feature of diatom cells is that they are encased within a cell wall made of silica (hydrated silicon dioxide) called a frustule. (Wikipedia)

Preferred Units: N/A

Scope Note:
N/A

Broader TermsNarrower TermsRelated Terms
Algae
N/AN/A

This term is used for the following terms: 
Bacillariophyceae

Approved Date
26-Feb-2013

Items having a keyword or observed-property relationship to this subject term

Click here to give feedback on this term or suggest an update.