Question
Question: By what characters do you separate the diatoms from ciliates?...
By what characters do you separate the diatoms from ciliates?
Solution
Diatoms are a major group of algae, specifically microalgae, a common type of unicellular phytoplankton, found in the oceans, waterways, and soils of the world. Diatoms can form colonies characterized by particular shapes such as stars, fans, and ribbons. These are encapsulated by a unique cell wall composed of silica, termed a frustule.
Complete answer:
Diatoms are single-celled algae. Diatoms, present in both freshwater and marine plankton, are characterized by the presence of a cell wall composed of silicon dioxide that displays intricate patterns. These are unicellular photosynthetic protists that encase themselves in intricately patterned. They have glassy cell walls which are composed of silicon dioxide in a matrix of organic particles.
The mode of reproduction in most species of diatoms is asexual, although sexual reproduction and sporulation also exist. Diatoms are golden brown photosynthetic protists. These are autotrophic organisms whereas the ciliates, which include species like Paramecium and Tetrahymena, are a group of protists that are covered in rows, tufts, or spirals of tiny cilia.
Ciliates can coordinate directed movements and ingest food particles by beating their cilia synchronously or in waves. Some ciliates, function like paddles, funnels, or fins as they have fused cilia-based structures. Ciliates also are surrounded by a pellicle. This pellicle provides protection without compromising agility. Ciliates are endoparasites. Ciliates are protozoan.
Note:
Diatoms belong to the kingdom Algae while Ciliates are Protozoan. The former is an autotrophic organism and the latter is an endoparasite. There are various differences when compared to each other. The ciliates are a group of protozoans. They are characterized by the presence of a hair-like structure called cilia.