are diatoms autotrophic or heterotrophic
Although most diatoms are autotrophic, some heterotrophic or symbiotic species can be found in particular habitats. The living matter of each diatom is enclosed in a shell of silica that it secretes. These shells are marked by minute pores or depressions that allow the living organism access to its environment.iatom (dĪˈətŏmˌ, –tōmˌ) [ key ], unicellular organism of the kingdom Protista, characterized by a silica shell of often intricate and beautiful sculpturing. Most diatoms exist singly, although some join to form colonies. Autotrophs utilize photosynthesis  to produce their food (typically the nutrie … nt glucose). An  autotroph is also referred to as a producer. An example of an  autotroph is algae. A heterotroph is an organism that receives its  food from other sources. It is a multicellular or unicellular  organism.Organisms that are consumers or decomposers are  heterotrophs. A parasite is also a heterotroph. A parasite feeds  off other organisms for its food.An example of a parasite is a  deet tick. An example of a decomposing heterotroph is an earthworm.  An earthworm decomposes biological matter in soil for its food.rganisms that are consumers or decomposers are  heterotrophs. A parasite is also a heterotroph. A parasite feeds  off other organisms for its food. An example of a parasite is a  deet tick. An example of a decomposing heterotroph is an earthworm.  An earthworm decomposes biological matter in soil for its food. Autotrophs utilize photosynthesis  to produce their food (typically the nutrie … nt glucose). An  autotroph is also referred to as a producer. An example of an  autotroph is algae. A heterotroph is an organism that receives its  food from other sources. It is a multicellular or unicellular  organism.Organisms that are consumers or decomposers are  heterotrophs. A parasite is also a heterotroph.A parasite feeds  off other organisms for its food.An example of a parasite is a  deet tick. An example of a decomposing heterotroph is an earthworm.  An earthworm decomposes biological matter in soil for its food.rganisms that are consumers or decomposers are  heterotrophs. A parasite is also a heterotroph. A parasite feeds  off other organisms for its food. An example of a parasite is a  deet tick. An example of a decomposing heterotroph is an earthworm. Diatoms are producers within the food chain. A unique feature of diatom cells is that they are enclosed within a cell wall made of silica (hydrated silicon dioxide) called a frustule.These frustules show a wide diversity in form, but are usually almost bilaterally symmetrical, hence the group name. unique feature of diatom cells is that they are enclosed within a cell wall made of silica (hydrated silicon dioxide) called a frustule. Diatoms belong to a large group called the heterokonts, including both autotrophs (e.g. , golden algae, kelp) and heterotrophs (e.g. , water moulds). Their yellowish-brown chloroplasts are typical of heterokonts, having four membranes and containing pigments such as the carotenoid fucoxanthin. unique feature of diatom cells is that they are enclosed within a cell wall made of silica (hydrated silicon dioxide) called a frustule. 117: 241-248, 1995 - J FMAMJ JASONDJ g diatoms n autotrophic other-heterotrophic dinoflagellates phytoplankton dinoflagellates Fig. 5. Biomass of heterotrophic dinoflagellates and phyto-plankton in the Gulf of Gdansk.Phytoplankton data from Bralewska (1992) sta.17: 241-248, 1995 - J FMAMJ JASONDJ g diatoms n autotrophic other-heterotrophic dinoflagellates phytoplankton dinoflagellates Fig. 5. Biomass of heterotrophic dinoflagellates and phyto-plankton in the Gulf of Gdansk. Phylum Chrysophyta: Golden Algae Golden algae occur as single cells or as colonies of great diversity and complexity. Most are freshwater, a few marine. They contain two unlike flagella, chlorophyll a and c and fucoxanthin pigments. Some lake dwelling golden algae are both heterotrophic and autotrophic.Phylum Phaeophyta: Brown Algae These algae are all multicellular. They contain chlorophyll a and c and fucoxanthin pigments.ost are freshwater, a few marine. They contain two unlike flagella, chlorophyll a and c and fucoxanthin pigments. Some lake dwelling golden algae are both heterotrophic and autotrophic. Phylum Phaeophyta: Brown Algae These algae are all multicellular. They contain chlorophyll a and c and fucoxanthin pigments. Rating Newest Oldest. Best Answer: Heterotrophic Protists: Protozoa are generally motile, unicellular or syncytial, wall-less heterotrophic protists. They may be free living predators or scavengers, ingesting other organisms or bits of organic matter, or parasites or mutualistic symbionts.ost are freshwater, a few marine. They contain two unlike flagella, chlorophyll a and c and fucoxanthin pigments. Some lake dwelling golden algae are both heterotrophic and autotrophic. Phylum Phaeophyta: Brown Algae These algae are all multicellular. They contain chlorophyll a and c and fucoxanthin pigments. They do not reproduce sexually. Euglena Phylum Bacillariophyta: Diatoms Diatoms are probably the most abundant aquatic eukaryotes in number of individuals and species. They live singly or in simple filaments or colonies, they occur in either type of aquatic environment.ost are freshwater, a few marine. They contain two unlike flagella, chlorophyll a and c and fucoxanthin pigments. Some lake dwelling golden algae are both heterotrophic and autotrophic. Phylum Phaeophyta: Brown Algae These algae are all multicellular. They contain chlorophyll a and c and fucoxanthin pigments. Autotrophic Protists: Algae The term algae embraces all photosynthetic protists. It refers to an aquatic, photosynthetic way of life, not an evolutionary kinship. Most algae live in water, but some are terrestrial. Most algae live near the surface of the water producing 30 to 50 percent of the earth's oxygen.ost are freshwater, a few marine. They contain two unlike flagella, chlorophyll a and c and fucoxanthin pigments. Some lake dwelling golden algae are both heterotrophic and autotrophic. Phylum Phaeophyta: Brown Algae These algae are all multicellular. They contain chlorophyll a and c and fucoxanthin pigments.
Diatoms are autotrophic, some heterotrophic.