Question

Are diatoms asexual?

Answer 1

Diatoms

1. Diatoms are single-celled photosynthetic algae that have an outer shell made of silica.
2. They are otherwise known as Bacillariophyceae. Around 16,000 algal species come under this group.
3. Examples- Navicula, Cyclotella, Eunotia, Rutilaria, etc.

Reproduction in diatoms

1. Diatoms undergo an asexual mode of reproduction by the formation of furrows.
2. They primarily undergo asexual reproduction but after the subsequent division of cells the size of the daughter cell decreases due to limited silica in the cell wall.
3. Once it reaches half the size of the parent it undergoes sexual reproduction through gametes to reinstate its original size.