Glossary
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Copula
A copula is a thin band of silica that is a component of the frustule, or silica cell wall, of a diatom. The plural is copulae. A frustule may have no copulae, or many. In Latin, copula means a link or connecting band.
While the silica valve may only be formed as a part of cell division, copulae may be formed independently of cell division.
See also valve, valvocopula, cingulum, girdle, girdle band, cincture, and frustule.
Alternative Terms
- cingulum
- girdle, girdle band
- intercalary bands
Citations
Image Credit: Adapted from Round et al. 1990
Image Credit: Adapted from Round et al. 1990
Illustration of a diatom frustule, with copulae shown in light blue.