oksidiatomii

Oksidiatomii is a genus of diatoms in the family Naviculaceae. It comprises several described species and is characterized by iron- or oxide-rich ornamentation on the silica frustule, giving a distinctive appearance under light microscopy. The genus name reflects a proposed link between its frustule patterns and oxidation processes observed in some habitats.

Morphology and physiology: Species are small to mid-sized, elongated boat-shaped cells with the bilateral symmetry typical of naviculoid diatoms. Valve faces are finely sculptured, with a central area and a dense, reticulate pattern of areolae. They produce frustules of biogenic silica and reproduce by vegetative cell division, with occasional sexual reproduction to restore size and genetic diversity.

Habitat and distribution: Oksidiatomii occur in freshwater and brackish ecosystems, including streams, lakes, and wetlands in temperate regions. They are commonly found as part of periphytic biofilms or attached communities on aquatic plants and detritus, where light conditions and nutrient status influence their abundance.

Ecology and significance: As photosynthetic microorganisms, they contribute to primary production and silica cycling in their environments. Their fossilized frustules are used in microfossil records to infer past environmental conditions, including redox state and nutrient dynamics, and can serve as indicators in paleolimnological reconstructions.

Taxonomy and species: The genus currently includes several described species, including Oksidiatomii oxidis, Oksidiatomii cerula, and Oksidiatomii borealis. Ongoing taxonomic work aims to refine species boundaries using valve morphology and molecular data.