these resting spores finally separate from the parent cell and can remain dormant for long periods because of their thick walls.

Leptoclindrus are widely found in many coastal and shelf waters around the world with the exception of extreme polar climates, as species can't survive below 5 degrees Celsius.

The genus Leptocylindrus is one of the most numerically dominant diatoms in the ocean and is a major component of the spring bloom period in southeastern Australia.

Leptocylindrus play an important role of TEs in the generation of the phenotypic plasticity that can lead to genetic diversity and ultimately to the success of diatoms under different and variable environmental conditions.

The consortium of Solenicola-Leptocylindrus is widespread from polar to equatorial zones, from coastal to oceanic water, and often reaches high abundance.

The diatom is a widespread species in the world ocean and several studies have investigated its morphology using scanning electron microscopy.

Transmission electron microscopy revealed that the frustule was nearly empty and that the protoplasm with mitochondria occupied a very small part of the cell.

A mutualistic symbiosis requires a benefit for the diatom, but apparently Leptocylindrus mediterraneus is not alive when colonized by Solenicola.