Topics in Particle and Dispersion Science

Shape and structure of diatom cells

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Diatoms constitute a significant portion of phytoplankton. These unicellular aquatic plants develop intricate cell shapes and structures (Fig. 1, Fig. 2; see also the ADIAC diatom image database, as well as Gebeshuber IC et al 2003) maintained by silicate shells these plants build from silica dissolved in natural waters. Interestingly, the emergence of diatoms in water coincides with the emergence of grasses on land (for example, Falkowski PG et al 2004), other plants which utilize silicates to reinforce the cell structure.

Pappas J 2005 discusses the topology of surfaces of diatoms and provides formulas for approximating the cell surfaces of several diatom species. The diatom shell is a remarkably strong structure (for example, Hamm CE et al 2003). Its pore structure (Fig. 1, Fig. 2) has been used, for example, to create effective filters for large molecules and for nanoparticles (for example, Losic D et al 2006a). It has also been shown to behave as a photonic crystal (for example, Yamanaka S et al 2008).

CITATION: Jonasz M. 2006. Shape and structure of diatom cells (www.tpdsci.com/Tpc/ShpStruDiat.php). In: Top. Part. Disp. Sci. (www.tpdsci.com).

HISTORY: Published: 17-Jan-2006 Modified: 20-Jan-2010 Peer-reviewed: PENDING

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