Name: Protozoans
Uploaded: 2019-07-19
Duration: 4 min 57 s
Description: Beware when you are in a moist environment, such as near ponds and lakes. There might be organisms like Protozoans around you that you cannot see without a microscope.

Question

Write a short note on the economic importance of the diatoms.

Accepted Answer

The diatoms belong to the subphylum Chrysophyta of Kingdom Protista. These are unicellular organisms having different shapes. The cells of diatoms are called frustules. These are made of two halves, one fitting into the other like the Petri dish and its cover. The upper half is called epitheca and the lower half is called hypotheca. They are economically important organisms because:

Their cell wall is made of cellulose which is impregnated with silica. These pile up on the sea bottom to form indestructible diatomaceous earth or Kieselguhr.

These are used as insulation materials in refrigerators, boilers and furnaces.

Diatoms are usually accompanied by the petroleum fields.

They are used as cleaning agents, toothpaste, metal polishes and in the signboards to increase night visibility.

These are autotrophic animals and are considered as the chief producers of earth.

Write a short note on the economic importance of the diatoms.

Important Questions on Kingdom–Protista

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