Figure 8

Feeding diatom cells with and without Al³⁺ solution. (a) Diatom cell takes up Al³⁺ and Si(OH)₄ during the cell cycle division resulting in a higher silica content inside the SDV(dark blue color) and a new thick valve with smaller pores. (b) Absence of Al³⁺ in the growth medium leads to a thin valve with relatively large pores.