Diatoms are a major group of single - celled algae, specifically microalgae, found in the oceans, waterways and soils of the world.
diatom
/ˈdīəˌtäm/
noun
BIOLOGY
plural noun: diatoms
They are the only organism on the planet with cell walls composed of transparent, opaline silica. Diatom cell walls are ornamented by intricate and striking patterns of silica.
Diatoms turn energy from the sun into sugar
Diatoms have light-absorbing molecules (chlorophylls a and c) that collect energy from the sun and turn it into chemical energy through photosynthesis.
Diatoms produce 50% of the air we breathe.
Estimates of the number of diatom species range from 20,000 - 2 million.
Diatoms are responsible for 20% of global carbon fixation and 40% of marine primary productivity.
Diatoms matter.