The diatoms A) move using flagella. B) form cell walls containing calcium carbonate. C) are likely to be found in the deep ocean. D) are primary producers. E) are responsible for only a small fraction of photosynthetic CO₂ fixation.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Diatoms are primary producers, meaning they are capable of photosynthesis and are at the bottom of the food chain in many aquatic ecosystems.

Answer: B
 Diatoms form cell walls containing silica, not calcium carbonate.

A) is incorrect because diatoms do not use flagella for movement, they use a process called gliding.

C) is incorrect because diatoms can be found in many different aquatic environments, including freshwater and coastal waters.

E) is incorrect because diatoms are responsible for a significant amount of photosynthetic carbon fixation in the ocean.

The Diatoms