Abstract
An Investigation of the Biochemical Relationships Associated with Shell Reduction and Loss in Opisthobranch Molluscs
Proceedings of the 2004 World Congress of Malacology, p.44
World Congress of Malacology (WCM): Molluscan megadiversity: Sea, land and freshwater, 2004 (Perth, Australia, 2004)
2004
Abstract
Shell loss in molluscs is considered to be a recent evolutionary development, with the Opisthobranchia representing the full range of morphogeness from obvious external shell to complete shell absence. The evolutionary progression from shell reduction to shell loss has been correlated with inhibition of the mineralization process in shell formation. While it has been recognised that sugars play a principle role in biomineralization through the provision of nucleation sites for crystallization, the type and proportion of sugars involved in the process has not been investigated. This current study utilized the techniques of gas chromatography and colorimetric assay to analyse the ratio of N-acetylated amino sugars to D-mannose sugars, and the ratio of sulphated sugars to neutral sugars, respectively. The results indicate a positive relationship between low relative ratios of D-mannose sugars and progressive shell loss. This evolution of mucus sugars is hypothesized to be related to rapid growth in mollusc species, and coincidental with the evolution of shell loss.
Details
- Title
- An Investigation of the Biochemical Relationships Associated with Shell Reduction and Loss in Opisthobranch Molluscs
- Authors
- Takeshi Furuhashi (Author) - University of the Sunshine Coast - Faculty of Science, Health and EducationPeter R Brooks (Author) - University of the Sunshine Coast - Faculty of Science, Health and EducationLesley R Brooker (Author) - University of the Sunshine Coast - Faculty of Science, Health and EducationPeter F Duncan (Author) - University of the Sunshine Coast - Faculty of Science, Health and Education
- Publication details
- Proceedings of the 2004 World Congress of Malacology, p.44
- Conference details
- World Congress of Malacology (WCM): Molluscan megadiversity: Sea, land and freshwater, 2004 (Perth, Australia, 2004)
- Publisher
- Western Australian Museum
- Date published
- 2004
- Organisation Unit
- Faculty of Science, Health, Education and Engineering; School of Science and Engineering - Legacy; University of the Sunshine Coast, Queensland; School of Science, Technology and Engineering; Centre for Bioinnovation
- Language
- English
- Record Identifier
- 99448807902621
- Output Type
- Abstract
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