Question

What are the diagnostic characters of diatoms? Write the uses of diatoms.

Answer 1

Diagnostic characters of diatoms:

1. Diatoms occur in all aquatic and moist terrestrial habitats.
2. They may be free floating or bottom dwellers.
3. They may show gliding type of movement with the help of mucilage.
4. The body is covered by a transparent siliceous shell known as frustule. The frustule is made of two valves which fit together like a soapbox.
5. The siliceous frustules of diatoms do not decay easily. They pile up at the bottom of water reservoirs and form big heaps called diatomaceous earth.

Uses of diatoms:

1. Diatoms are very important photosynthesizers. About half of all the organic matter synthesized in the world is believed to be produced by them.
2. The oils extracted from some fishes and whales are actually the ones produced by diatoms.
3. Diatomite deposits are often accompanied by petroleum fields. Much of the petroleum of today is probably due to decayed bodies of the past diatoms.
4. Diatomite is porous and chemically inert. It is, therefore, used in filtration of sugar, alcohols, oil, syrup, and antibiotics.
5. Diatomite is employed as a cleaning agent in kinds of toothpaste and metal polishes.