FRUSTULE Meaning and
Definition
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A frustule is a minute, geometrically-shaped cell wall structure found in diatoms, which are a group of single-celled, photosynthetic organisms belonging to the class Bacillariophyta. It is characterized by its intricate and symmetrical architecture, composed of two overlapping halves, resembling a petri dish or a pillbox. The frustule serves as a protective shell housing the diatom's cytoplasm and organelles.
The frustule is primarily composed of silica or silicate materials, such as hydrated amorphous silica or opal. It possesses distinct features including pores for nutrient intake and gaseous exchange, as well as fine, delicate surface sculpturing which can exhibit intricate arrangements or ornate patterns. The frustule is produced and regenerated by the diatom through a process known as cell division or "auxospory," which ensures the maintenance of its unique geometric shape and growth.
Due to the wide array of sizes, shapes, and sculpturing patterns among different diatom species, the frustule is considered a key taxonomic characteristic used for identification in diatom taxonomy and classification. The precise structure and design of the frustule allow diatoms to thrive in various aquatic habitats worldwide, both freshwater and marine. Furthermore, the rigid frustule enables diatoms to resist mechanical stress and potential predator attacks.
The study of frustules and their unique attributes has practical applications in fields such as paleoecology, environmental monitoring, and nanotechnology, among others.
Common Misspellings for FRUSTULE
Etymology of FRUSTULE
The word "frustule" is derived from the Latin word "frustum", which means "piece" or "fragment". It was initially used in geometry to describe a portion of a solid that is cut off by parallel planes. In the context of biology, "frustule" refers to the rigid cell wall structure found in diatoms, which consists of two overlapping silica shells. The cell wall resembles a geometrically shaped solid that is reminiscent of a "frustum", thus leading to the term "frustule" being applied to diatom cell walls.
Idioms with the word FRUSTULE
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