Final answer:
Diatoms are resistant to destruction due to their unique silica dioxide-based cell walls, which are very stable and resistant to decomposition. Their ability to store carbon as lipids, which helps them float and access sunlight, and their energy-efficient cell construction also contribute to their resilience.
Step-by-step explanation:
Diatoms are resistant to destruction primarily due to their unique cell walls, which are composed of silica dioxide, also known as silica. This material is also found in common substances like quartz, glass, and sand, making it very stable and resistant to decomposition. Diatoms' cell walls, called frustules, are composed of two halves that overlap slightly, and when diatoms die, these frustules settle to the bottom of aquatic environments and become part of the sediment, effectively sequestering carbon dioxide. Additionally, diatoms require silica and selenium for their growth, which are elements that other organisms typically do not need.
Moreover, diatoms have the ability to store reduced carbon as lipids rather than carbohydrates. This is significant because lipids provide buoyancy, helping diatoms to remain in sunlit upper levels of water, which facilitates photosynthesis. The efficiency of their silica-based cell walls also means less energy expenditure for construction compared to other unicellular algae with carbohydrate-based cell walls, giving diatoms an advantage in certain environmental conditions.
As a foundation of aquatic food chains, diatoms are crucial in aquatic ecosystems. These photosynthetic algae serve as a primary food source for various levels of the food chain, and when consumed by fish like salmon and tuna, they provide the organic material that eventually reaches human consumers. In their ecological role, diatoms contribute to maintaining a balanced carbon cycle and influence the competition within the phytoplankton community.