Molecular insights into the novel aspects of diatom biology

Diatoms are unicellular photosynthetic eukaryotes that are thought to contr ibute as much as 25 % of global primary productivity. In spite of their eco logical importance in the worlds oceans, very little information is availab le at the molecular level about the novel aspects of their biology. Recent advances, such as the development of gene transfer protocols, are now allow ing the genetic dissection of diatom biology. No-table examples are advance s in understanding the genetic basis for the silica-based bioinorganic patt ern formation of their cell walls and for elucidating key aspects of diatom ecophysiology. The potentiation of current research will allow an evaluati on of the use of diatoms to construct submicrometre-scale silicon structure s for the nanotechnology industry and will reveal the molecular secrets und erlying their ecological success.