Diatom #31
by Steve Gschmeissner
Title
Diatom #31
Artist
Steve Gschmeissner
Medium
Photograph - Photograph
Description
Diatom (Podosira sp.). Coloured scanning electron micrograph (SEM) of a single diatom. Diatoms may be extremely abundant in both freshwater and marine ecosystems; it is estimated that 20% to 25% of all organic carbon fixation on the planet is carried out by diatoms. This is possible because they contain chlorophyll. Diatoms are thus a major food resource for marine and freshwater microorganisms and animal larvae, and are a major source of atmospheric oxygen. A unique feature of diatom cells is that they are enclosed within a cell wall made of silica (hydrated silicon dioxide) called a frustule. Magnification: x1000 when printed at 10 centimetres wide.
Uploaded
July 29th, 2016
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