Studies on the biochemistry and fine structure of silica shell formation in diatoms

摘要: The cell wall of the fusiform phenotype diatom Phaeodactylum tricornutum is unique, not only because its lack usual silica shell, but also particular morphology which different from that other unicellular algae. exhibits a three-layer construction: thin (3 nm) electron opaque layer facing interior followed by thicker (4–6 nm), less middle layer, and an outer, more basal part approximately same width as layer. outer has corrugated surface composed ridges (about 7 nm high 10 apart) are running parallel in sets—usually 2–5, occasionally up to 14 per set. This morphological arrangement was revealed employing ultrathin sectioning techniques on whole cells using method specifically developed obtain isolated, cleaned walls were subsequently stained with phosphotungstic acid for microscopy.