NEET BIOLOGY

Detailed explanation-1: -Diatoms are white, soft, and porous in nature, and when a diatom dies, it leaves behind shells formed of organic compounds and silica. Because diatom-derived silica has mild abrasive qualities, it is utilised in tooth powder and toothpaste.

Detailed explanation-2: -Diatoms are photosynthesising algae, they have a siliceous skeleton (frustule) and are found in almost every aquatic environment including fresh and marine waters, soils, in fact almost anywhere moist.

Detailed explanation-3: -Diatomaceous earth, a substance composed of fossil diatoms, is used in filters, insulation, abrasives, paints, and varnishes and as a base in dynamite.

Detailed explanation-4: -Diatoms also filter the water. In the cell wall of diatoms, silica is found. When they die they leave cell wall deposits, this is called diatomaceous earth. This diatomaceous earth is used commercially for polishing and filtration of oil and syrups.

Detailed explanation-5: -A diatom is a unicellular eukaryotic alga characterized by having a siliceous covering and a symmetrical body. Diatoms are mostly aquatic, being found in fresh, brackish, and saltwater. Some are found in moist places, such as soil. Diatoms comprise the taxonomic phylum Bacillariophyta.