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Abstract
Previously published observations on chromosome numbers for 43 diatom taxa are reviewed. Members of five centric families, as well as araphid, monoraphid and biraphid pennate species are included in the list. Greatest range in diploid complement is found in the biraphid group, where the smallest (8) and largest (130) numbers have been reported. Chromosome numbers are compared with alternative hypotheses of diatom phylogeny and appear to support the scenario of an initial dichotomy between centries and pennates. The occurrence of polyploidy in diatoms is also discussed.