Scanning Electron Microscopic Observations on the Frustular Morphology and Filamentous Growth Habit of Diatoma hiemale var. mesodon

Kociolek JP and Lowe RL. 1983. Scanning Electron Microscopic Observations on the Frustular Morphology and Filamentous Growth Habit of Diatoma hiemale var. mesodon. Transactions of the American Microscopical Society. 102(3):281-287

ABSTRACT: Scanning electron microscopy has revealed the ultrastructure of Diatoma hiemale var. mesodon to be a composite of characteristics previously observed by independent investigators using light and transmission electron microscopy. Features such as marginal spines, a single labiate process per valve, and an apical pore field located at each pole were observed in this taxon and appear to be typical for the genus. Apparently, the straight-chain filamentous growth habit of D. hiemale var. mesodon was maintained by mucilage pads located at each apical pore field of opposing valves. Mucilage has not been reported previously as a mechanism holding together straight-chain colonies of any taxon in the genus Diatoma.

Type
Journal Article
Authors
Kociolek, John; Lowe, Rex
Units
GRSM
Keywords
algae, APHN, Appalachian Highlands Network, biodiversity, Diatoma, diatoms, Fragilariaceae, Great Smoky Mountains National Park, GRSM, morphology, SER, Southeast Region

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