Multiple choice

Which of the following statements does not characterise diatoms?

  1. The frustule is frequently highly differentiated in diatoms.

  2. The epicingulum and hypocingulum are collectively known as the girdle.

  3. The most common mode of reproduction in diatoms is asexual by cell division.

  4. The daughter cell that receives the original epitheca remains the same size as the parent.

  5. Araphid pennate diatoms are capable of gliding movement.
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
E Correct answer
Explanation

Raphid pennate diatoms are capable of gliding movement that is caused by the secretion of mucopolysaccharides, derived from vesicles or crystalline bodies, through the raphe. Araphid pennate diatoms lack a raphe and posses a central, unornamented area known as the sternum or pseudoraphe. No centric diatom has a raphe.

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