Diatoms

Question 1

What are diatoms?

Answer 1

Microscopic unicellular algae found in various organs of the body.

Source: Forensic Medicine and Toxicology

Question 2

What are the shapes of diatoms?

Answer 2

Circular, oval, crescentic, triangle, and linear shapes.

Source: Forensic Medicine and Toxicology

Question 3

Where are diatoms found?

Answer 3

In fresh water as well as sea water.

Source: Forensic Medicine and Toxicology

Question 4

What is the size range of diatoms?

Answer 4

2 micrometers to 1 millimeter.

Source: Forensic Medicine and Toxicology

Question 5

How can diatoms be detected in tissues?

Answer 5

By treating 5 grams of tissue with 5 volumes of nitric acid, keeping it for 2 to 3 days, and then examining the deposit under a dark ground illumination microscope.

Source: Forensic Medicine and Toxicology

Question 6

What does the presence of diatoms in tissues and control sample indicate?

Answer 6

If they are the same, it suggests drowning in the same water. If they are different, it suggests floating from a different place or contamination.

Source: Forensic Medicine and Toxicology

Question 7

Which organs can diatoms enter?

Answer 7

Lungs, heart, brain, liver, and spleen.

Source: Forensic Medicine and Toxicology