Question

Why do diatoms form chains?

Answer 1

Diatoms:

1. Diatoms are non-mobile, unicellular phytoplankton that has the ability to form colonies in the form of chains.
2. Depending on the species of diatoms and the attachment structure that holds the cells together, these chains can be quite rigid or very flexible.
3. Diatoms, especially those forming chains, are thought to thrive best in turbulent environments.
4. The unified explanation for this is that upheaval can compensate for the lack of self-regulating organs in favour of mixing with dissolved nutrients and their persistence in the euphotic zone.