Diatoms. Differential interference contrast light micrograph of a group of diatoms from the Mediterranean Sea. Diatoms are single-celled photosynthetic algae, of which there are about 100,000 species. They have mineralised cell walls (frustules) that contain silica and provide protection and support. They form an important part of the plankton at the base of the marine and freshwater food chains. Magnification: x280 when printed 10 centimetres wide.