The leaning tower

The leaning tower standing dignifiedly in the evening sun-light. You may imagine the famous leaning tower of Pisa in Italy from the picture. In reality this tower is diatom called Paralia sulcata. The surface pattern was formed by oxidized silicon (SiO₂) deposited on the cell wall. The pattern engraved on the husks is just micro molding beauty. How does a unicellular living thing make the structure skillfully like this? The secrets of nature gives a strong impression on us.

1st Prize. At 58th photo contest hosted by the Japanese Society of Electron Microscopy in 2002.

Condition

Specimen: Diatom (Paralia sulcata)

Instrument: Cold Field Emission Scanning Electron Microscope S-4700

Magnification: × 3,000

Accelerating voltage: 2 kV

Specimen: Courtesy of Professor Tamotsu Nagumo (The Nippon Dental University), Professor Masahiko Idei (Bunkyo University)

*Part of information related to these photographers is based on the information when the photo was taken.

*This work was presented at the "photo contest" hosted by the Japanese Society of Microscopy.

The Japanese Society of Microscopy

*Reproduction or republication without permission prohibited.

*"nanoart" is registered trademark of Hitachi High-Tech Corporation in Japan.