An introduction to the microscopical study of diatoms

Morphology

Diatoms are microscopic unicellular algae. Whatever the shape or size of the cell, it consists of the same basic parts: the nucleus, cytoplasm, plasma membrane, and the cell wall.

1.1. Structure of the Cell Wall

Emphasis in this Introduction is placed on the structure of the diatom cell wall, as opposed to the living contents, as, in the main, interest in diatom study is directed toward the structure and microstructure of the cell wall. Classification of diatoms and their identification pertinent to many areas of investigation is based on the structure of, and markings on the cell wall as revealed by the light microscope (LM). It is therefore imperative that the student of diatoms possesses a good basic knowledge of that structure and the terminology associated with it. <...>