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Abstract
Energy-dispersive X-ray microanalysis shows that the mucilage stalk of the diatom Achnanthes longipes contains calcium, magnesium, silicon, and other elements usually present in small amounts. Calcium and magnesium are probably present in the form of carbonates (high magnesian calcite). There appears to be more silicon towards the stalk collar than towards the part of the stalk which adheres to the substrate. This suggests that the deposition of silicon within the stalk could be related to intracellular deposition. The stalk also contains much sulphur. This may be attributed to sulphated polysaccharides, whose presence has already been demonstrated by means of cytochemical investigations.
