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Auxospore
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In phycology, auxospores are special cells produced by diatoms that expand cell size back to that which is normal for vegetative cells[1]. They are necessary because successive mitotic cell divisions in diatoms leads to a diminuation in cell size for one of the two daughter cells. This occurs because each daughter cell produced by cell division inherits one of the two valves that make up the silica cell wall, and then grows a smaller valve within it. Consequently, each division cycle decreases the average size of diatom cells in a population. As well as restoring cell size, auxospores are also often zygotes (the product of sexual reproduction) or resting stages (used to survive unfavourable periods such as winter).
- ^ Hoek, C. van den, Mann, D. G. and Jahns, H. M. (1995). Algae : An introduction to phycology, Cambridge University Press, UK.
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