Glossary
Like the rest of this website, the glossary is a work in progress. If we’ve missed a term, please contact us to let us know the term and references.
Seta
A seta is a simple or robust extension of the diatom valve. The plural is setae. Setae are more elongate than spines and are found in the genera Chaetoceros and Bacteriastrum. They join frustules together to form chains and maintain the buoyancy of colonies in a planktonic environment.
Image Credit: Sarah Rushforth
Image Credit: Karthick Bala
Image Credit: Karthick Bala
Image Credit: Sarah Rushforth
Colony of living Chaetoceros elmorei, with many setae extending from the frustules.
Image Credit: Karthick Bala
Scanning electron micrograph of a single valve of Chaetoceros, showing the interior of the valve with two setae extending from it.
Image Credit: Karthick Bala
Scanning electron micrograph of several broken setae, no longer attached to a valve.