Given the salient features and importance of chrysophytes.

* These are found in fresh water as well as in marine environment.
Eg: Diatoms and golden algae(desmids).
* Cell wall of diatom form two thin overlapping shells, called epitheca and hypotheca.
* Epitheca overlap hypotheca which fit together as in a soap box.
* Cell wall is embedded with silica and is indestructible.
* Accumulation of cell wall over billions of years form diatomaceous earth.
Importance : Diatomaceous earth is used in polishing, filtration of oils and syrup. Diatoms are the chief producers in the oceans.