Question

Are diatoms fungus-like?

Answer 1

Diatoms

1. These are phytoplanktons (micro-algae) found in every aquatic habitat and have a distinctive outer layer made of silica.
2. They are found in all aquatic environments.
3. Examples include Navicula, Cyclotella, Fragilaria, Rutilaria, etc.

Fungus

1. These are a separate kingdom of organisms that lives on dead and decaying matter and are heterotrophs in nature.
2. Examples include mushrooms, yeasts, puffballs, etc.
3. Due to various structural and functional differences, diatoms and fungi are not related to each other.
4. Unlike fungus that has a cell wall made of chitin diatoms are have cell walls composed of silica.
5. Diatoms are photosynthetic and primary producers of the oceans whereas fungi are heterotrophs obtaining nutrients from organic matter.