Question

Why do diatoms have frustules?

Answer 1

Diatoms have frustules because:

1. A frustule is a hard, porous cell wall or outer layer of diatoms.
2. Frustules are made almost entirely of silica.
3. It is composed mainly of silicic acid and is coated with layers of organic matter.
4. In the early literature on diatoms, this is referred to as pectin, which is commonly found in plant cell walls.
5. Frustules allow the diatom to enter the external environment.
6. This is important for many biological processes such as waste disposal.