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When diatoms die, their silica cell walls, known as frustules, often remain intact and can accumulate on the seafloor or in sediment. This accumulation contributes to sedimentary deposits like diatomaceous earth, which is used in various industrial applications. Over time, the organic matter from their bodies decomposes, releasing nutrients back into the ecosystem, which can support other marine life. Additionally, the silica from their frustules may eventually become part of geological formations.

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What do you call dead diatoms?

When diatoms die, their shells are called frustules. These microscopic structures are made of silica and can accumulate in large numbers on the ocean floor, forming sediment known as diatomaceous earth.


Are diatoms classified as chrysophytes?

Yes, diatoms are classified within the division Chrysophyta, which includes golden-brown algae like diatoms.


When diatoms that have been reproducing asexually reach about one fourth of their size what happens to them?

When diatoms that have been reproducing asexually reach about one fourth of their size, they typically switch from asexual reproduction to sexual reproduction. This process allows for genetic diversity by combining genetic material from different diatoms, potentially enhancing their ability to adapt to changing environments.


How do Diatoms grow?

Diatoms grow by taking in nutrients from their environment, such as carbon dioxide, silicate, and nitrates, to build their silica-based cell walls. Through a process called cell division, diatoms replicate their cells by splitting in half, producing two identical daughter cells. This rapid reproduction allows diatoms to form dense populations in aquatic environments.


What is the process carried out by diatoms in the carbon cycle?

Diatoms play an essential role in the carbon cycle through photosynthesis. They take in carbon dioxide from the atmosphere and convert it into organic carbon compounds, releasing oxygen as a byproduct. When diatoms die, their remains sink to the ocean floor, where the carbon they have stored is effectively sequestered from the atmosphere for extended periods.

Related Questions

What happens to diatoms in deep ocean water?

Depending on depth of ocean, the diatoms size shrinks


What happens when diatomns die?

When diatoms die, their silica-based cell walls, known as frustules, often sink to the ocean floor, accumulating as sediment. This process contributes to the formation of diatomaceous earth, a sedimentary rock. Over time, these deposits can be buried and transformed, playing a role in the geological carbon cycle. The decomposition of diatoms also releases nutrients back into the water, supporting other marine life.


If all diatoms went extinct what would happen to the earths atmosphere?

we would die


What do you call dead diatoms?

When diatoms die, their shells are called frustules. These microscopic structures are made of silica and can accumulate in large numbers on the ocean floor, forming sediment known as diatomaceous earth.


Which diatoms can move around the best?

pennate diatoms


Are diatoms classified as chrysophytes?

Yes, diatoms are classified within the division Chrysophyta, which includes golden-brown algae like diatoms.


What is scientific name of diatoms?

Diatoms are algae, diatoms are protists. Diatoms are placed in the division Bacilliariophyta, which is distinguished by the presence of an inorganic cell wall composed of hydrated silica.


When diatoms that have been reproducing asexually reach about one fourth of their size what happens to them?

When diatoms that have been reproducing asexually reach about one fourth of their size, they typically switch from asexual reproduction to sexual reproduction. This process allows for genetic diversity by combining genetic material from different diatoms, potentially enhancing their ability to adapt to changing environments.


What do diatoms do?

Diatoms account for 23% of the primary productivity of the world, that's what they do!


Is diatoms a decomposer?

diatoms are producers, not decomposers. they are photosynthetic organisms


What is the phylum for diatoms?

The phylum for diatoms is Bacillariophyta. Diatoms are a type of algae that belong to this phylum and are characterized by their unique silica cell walls.


What mode of nutrition do diatoms have?

Most Diatoms are Photosynthetic but some have evolved to be heterotrophic