Diatom - Simple English Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

# Diatom

### From Simple English Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

? Diatoms
Marine diatoms
Scientific classification

Domain: | Eukaryota
(unranked) | Chromista
Phylum: | Heterokontophyta
Class: | Bacillariophyceae

Diatoms (Greek: διά (dia) = "through" + τέμνειν (temnein) = "to cut", i.e., "cut in half") are a big group of eukaryotic algae. They are one of the most common types of phytoplankton. Most diatoms are unicellular, although some form chains or simple colonies. A characteristic feature of diatom cells is that they are encased within a unique cell wall made of silica. These walls show a wide diversity in form, some quite beautiful and ornate, but usually consist of two asymmetrical sides with a split between them, which gives the group name.

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Category: Plants

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