Paramylum is stored food of diatoms.

Diatoms are a type of photosynthetic algae that belong to the group of microalgae called Bacillariophyta. They are found in both freshwater and marine environments and are known for their unique cell walls made of silica. Diatoms play a crucial role in the global carbon cycle as they are responsible for approximately 20% of the world's primary production.

One of the distinctive features of diatoms is the presence of paramylum as a storage carbohydrate. Paramylum is a type of polysaccharide that serves as a reserve of energy in diatoms. It is primarily composed of glucose molecules linked together in a linear chain.

Below are some key points about paramylum:

1. Storage carbohydrate: Paramylum acts as a storage carbohydrate in diatoms, similar to how starch functions in higher plants. It serves as a reserve of energy that can be utilized during periods of low light or nutrient availability.

2. Structure: Paramylum is a linear polymer composed of glucose units connected by α-1,4 glycosidic linkages. It is highly branched, with side chains attached to some of the glucose units.

3. Granules: Paramylum is stored in the form of granules within the cytoplasm of diatoms. These granules can be observed under a microscope and are often concentrated in specific regions of the cell.

4. Metabolism: During periods of photosynthesis, diatoms convert carbon dioxide and sunlight into glucose through the process of photosynthesis. Excess glucose is then polymerized into paramylum and stored within the cell.

5. Energy utilization: When diatoms require energy, such as during periods of darkness or nutrient depletion, they can break down paramylum into glucose units. These glucose units can be further metabolized through cellular respiration to release energy for various cellular processes.

In conclusion, paramylum is the stored food of diatoms. It serves as a reserve of energy in these photosynthetic algae and is composed of glucose units linked together in a linear chain. Paramylum granules can be observed within the cytoplasm of diatoms and are utilized during periods of low light or nutrient availability.

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