Question

What is the nature of the cell wall in diatoms? What is diatomaceous earth? Mention any two economic uses of it. Name the group under diatoms belongs in Protista.

Answer 1

Diatoms are eukaryotic organisms belonging to the Kingdom protista. It belongs to phylum Bacillariophyta. The cell walls of diatoms consists of two thin overlapping shells. The walls are made up of silica. When the diatoms die, the silica is deposited in the form of diatomaceous earth.

Diatomaceous earth is the sedimentary deposit of fossil remains of diatoms.

It is used in the treatment of high cholesterol, constipation and is given orally. It is used to brush teeth or remove unwanted dead skin cells. It is also used in filtration.