ABSTRACT
Silica SiO2 is the most abundant mineral on Earth so that its presence within most living organisms is not surprising. However, this presence can occur by serendipity or via biologically-controlled routes. For instance, animals uptake silica via food or drinking water, and silicon has been found in bone.1 In contrast, in soft and marine water, several organisms such as diatoms, some sponges and radiolaria have learned to use soluble silica to elaborate complex architectures that serve as skeletons.2 As an intermediate situation, plants can incorporate soluble silica from running water, either by passive diffusion from the roots or through specific pathways.3
