Diatoms are a species of tiny algae that are widely distributed throughout the world, they are part of phytoplankton. Diatoms are characterized by their size, which is microscopic. They are unicellular organisms, although some can form groups with other diatoms. Like other algae, diatoms carry out the photosynthesis process, thus contributing a percentage of atmospheric oxygen production.
Studies of diatoms began shortly after the early Jurassic period. Research on these algae shows their use in determining water quality, as well as being able to assess the development of the environment. These algae can be found in any kind of aquatic environment, from the seas, to situations of high temperatures that make the environment totally dry.
It should be noted that diatoms make up what is phytoplankton and most of them live in the depths of the seas. However, some can be found living forming superficial sheets, attached to some substrate as benthic species. Diatoms have formed some morphological adaptations that make it easier for them to remain suspended in water, among which are the formation of chains, linked by silica spines. They are also capable of creating star-like or zigzag-shaped colonies, depending on the species. They do not have the ability to move, although they can slide through a material that they secrete themselves, through a slit they have and which is known as "raphe".
As for their reproduction, they do it asexually and sometimes sexually. When it does it asexually, the cell divides forming two new cells, but for this to happen, the diatom must fragment its valves and each procreated cell will grow into one of the valves.
When their reproduction is sexual it is because diatoms also have the ability to produce gametes without frustules that unite to form auxospore, these are a type of cells that have an organic membrane of silica groups, called perizonias that make the cell spread. and achieve the maximum size of the species and once this is achieved, they form the particular frustule of each species.
Diatoms are widely used in forensic investigations, this is thanks to the fact that these strange microorganisms can be used to differentiate between a death by submersion, or an immersion of the body after death.
