 Diatoms

Diatoms are a type of single-celled algae, classified within the group known as phytoplankton. They are particularly significant in aquatic ecosystems, playing a vital role in the food web and contributing to primary production. Diatoms have unique silica-based cell walls known as frustules, which have a distinctive geometric structure. These organisms are found in both marine and freshwater environments and are capable of photosynthesis, using sunlight to convert carbon dioxide and water into energy.