What is the nature of cell-walls in diatoms?
Explanation Diatom is a type of photosynthetic microalgae that belongs to the group chrysophytes under the kingdom Protista. It is present in almost every aquatic environment and is known to be the chief producer of the ocean. Diatoms are indestructible because of their cell wall composition and structure. The cell wall is composed of two overlapping shells that fit into each other as in a soapbox or petri dish. This type of construction is known as frustules, which means hard and porous. The main component is cellulose in the cell wall but, the silica embedded into it accounts for the glassy appearance and imperishable nature, thus leaving leave behind an ample amount of cell wall deposits that accumulate over time to form diatomaceous earth. And as the soil is porous and gritty, it used in filtering and polishing. Final Answer Diatoms are photosynthetic algae found in both fresh and marine water. The cell wall of diatoms is mainly made up of cellulose embedded with silica and, the cell wall construction is known as frustules, composed of two overlapping shells that fit into each other as in soapbox or petri dish. This composition and organization make it indestructible, thus over time their deposits accumulate and form porous soil know as diatomaceous earth.
