During Asexual Reproduction in Diatoms

Question

During asexual reproduction in diatoms
A) Generation time decreases steadily
B) Part of the silica shell is cast off with each cell division
C) Cell size decreases steadily to a threshold
D) Uniquely among phytoplankton they have resting stages on the bottom

Accepted Answer

During asexual reproduction in diatoms, cell size decreases steadily with each division until it reaches a threshold, at which point sexual reproduction or formation of a resting spore can occur to restore the original cell size.