Diatom locomotion: A consideration of movement in a highly viscous situation

Abstract

Diatoms which exhibit gliding motion have a very low Reynold's number and therefore their movement in water represents a highly viscous situation; the implications of this are discussed with reference to the external forces resisting motion and to possible means of propulsion. As the diatom is separated from the substratum by a thin film of water they experience additional viscous drag not experienced by other motile microorganisms which swim through open water. The power required to overcome such forces in order to move are discussed with reference to the energy budget of the cell.