Diatoms Require Silica Due to Their

Question

Diatoms require silica due to their
A) Ca²⁺/Si⁴⁺ symporters.
B) DNA replication mechanism.
C) ornate frustules.
D) unique phototrophic physiology.

Accepted Answer

Diatoms have an outermost cell wall made of silica called a frustule. This frustule is ornate and gives diatoms their unique shapes. Silica is required for the formation of the frustule.

Answer: A 
 Diatoms require silica uptake due to the presence of Ca²⁺/Si⁴⁺ symporters. These are transporters that bring both Ca²⁺ and Si⁴⁺ ions into the cell at the same time. The symporter brings in Si⁴⁺ ions for frustule formation.

Therefore, the correct answer is A and C.