Chrysophytes

• They are found in fresh water and marine environments.
• They are microscopic and float passively in water currents (plankton).
• Most of them are photosynthetic.
• It includes diatoms & golden algae (desmids).

Diatoms:

• They have siliceous cell walls forming two thin overlapping shells, which fit together as in a soap box.
• The cell wall deposit of diatoms over billions of years in their habitat is known as ‘diatomaceous earth’.
• This is used in polishing, filtration of oils and syrups.
• Diatoms are the chief ‘producers’ in the oceans.