Glossary
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Heteropolar
Heteropolar describes valves in which the poles, or apices, of the apical axis have different shapes. Heteropolar valves are asymmetric to the transapical axis. Example genera include Gomphoneis and Gomphonema.
See also isopolar.
Image Credit: Pat Kociolek
Image Credit: Pat Kociolek
The diatom Gomphoneis olivaceum is heteropolar. The headpole and footpole are distinguished from one another.