Diatoms are a type of algae that live in freshwater and marine habitats. They are single-celled organisms with a hard, protective shell made of silica. Diatoms are an important part of the aquatic food web and play a role in the global carbon cycle.
Diatoms are found in all types of aquatic habitats, from ponds to oceans. They can even live in snow and ice! Most diatoms live near the surface of the water, where they can get sunlight for photosynthesis.
Diatoms are very diverse, with over 100,000 different species described so far. The shapes and sizes of diatoms vary greatly, but all have a silica shell (called a frustule) with two halves that fit together like a sandwich. The inside of the frustule is hollow, and contains the cell’s nucleus and other organelles.
The cell walls of diatoms are covered with intricate patterns of pores and ridges. These patterns help diatoms to control how much light and water enter their cells. Some scientists believe that these patterns also help diatoms to “swim” by catching currents of water and moving with them.
Diatoms are autotrophs, meaning they can make their own food from sunlight using photosynthesis. During this process, diatoms take in carbon dioxide from the water around them and turn it into oxygen gas (which they release into the air). Diatoms also produce organic matter like sugars which they use for energy or store as reserves. This organic matter is an important food source for other aquatic creatures like zooplankton (tiny animals that float in the water).
Diatom populations can fluctuate rapidly in response to changes in environmental conditions like temperature, nutrients levels, or light intensity. Many factors such as these can affect how well diatoms can photosynthesize or reproduce