Answer:
The external coverings of diatoms are made up silica , while slime molds have cell walls containing cellulose. Diatoms are photoautotrophs because they make food through photosynthesis, while slime molds are heterotrophs.
Explanation:
Diatoms can be described as algae that are mostly single-celled. They are made up of a unique kind of cell wall composed of silica. This cell wall is termed as a frustule. Mostly, diatoms are capable of carrying out photosynthesis and hence make their own food.
Slime moulds can be described as organisms that are fungus-like protists. They are not capable of producing their own food and feed on other plants. Hence, they are heterotrophs.
