Biology Reference
In-Depth Information
the raphe, provides an opening for adhesives involved in the motility of
benthic diatoms. 3 Development of the frustule involves several processes 4
thought to be genetically encoded, including silicon uptake and metabolism,
biomineralization and morphogenesis, which together lead to species-speciic
morphologies upon which diatom taxonomy is based. The whole frustule,
typically consisting of uniformly patterned pores, spine-like processes,
organic material and other nanostructured components, provides an avenue
for nutrient and gas transport and secretion of adhesives. 1,2 Although the
frustule structure conveys a profound level of intricacy, it has remarkable
material strength to withstand external environmental forces. 5
(a)
(b)
(c)
Figure 19.1 . (a) SEM images of different diatoms highlighting the structures of the
cell wall. 31 (b) Schematic of frustule comprising valve and girdle components. 32 (c)
SEM image of outer frustule with EPS coating and adhesive strands. 24 Scale bar, 3 μm.
 
 
 
Search WWH ::




Custom Search