Coloured scanning electron micrograph (SEM) of diatomaceous earth consisting of centric diatom silica frustules (skeletons). These freshwater centric

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Coloured scanning electron micrograph (SEM) of diatomaceous earth consisting of centric diatom silica frustules (skeletons). These freshwater centric diatoms are found in fresh water streams, ponds and lakes. Diatoms are a type of algae (Chromophyta, Bacillariophyceae). They consist of two valves, made of silica (hydrated silicon dioxide), which fit together like the top and bottom of a box. This SEM shows the surface of one valve and the broad girdle connecting it to the other valve. The exterior of the valves are often highly decorative, with pores, spikes or other types of projections. It is an important alga in the fresh water food chain. Magnification: x430 when shortest axis printed at 25 millimetres.

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Size: 3331px × 2623px
Photo credit: © DENNIS KUNKEL MICROSCOPY/SCIENCE PHOTO LIBRARY / Alamy / Afripics
License: Licensed
Model Released: No

Keywords: 92584a, alga, algae, aquatic, bacillariophyceae, centic, centric, colored, coloured, coscinodiscophyceae, diatom, diatomaceous, diatomite, diatoms, earth, electron, eukaryote, false-colored, false-coloured, fresh, freshwater, frustule, heterokontophyta, micrograph, phytoplankton, plankton, planktonic, planktons, scanning, sem, silica, skeleton, water