Hexagonal Patterns in Diatom Silica Form via a Directional Two-Step Process.

ABSTRACT: Organisms are able to control material patterning down to the nanometer scale. This is exemplified by the intricate geometrical patterns of the silica cell wall of diatoms, a group of unicellular algae. Theoretical and modeling studies propose putative physical and chemical mechanisms to explain morphogenesis of diatom silica. Nevertheless, direct investigations of the underlying formation process are challenging because this process occurs within the confines of the living cell. Here, a method is developed for in situ 3D visualization of silica development in the diatom Stephanopyxis turris, using electron microscopy slice-and-view techniques. The formation of an isotropic hexagonal pattern made of nanoscale pores is documented. Surprisingly, these data reveal a directional process that s

SUBMITTER: Lansky Z 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC11892497 | biostudies-literature | 2024 Nov

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature