Nature’s Conveyor Belt: The Matrix Mediated Biomineralization of Magnetite in Chitons (Mollusca)

Jeremy A Shaw; D J Macey; Lesley R Brooker; M Saunders; P L Clode

doi:10.1017/S1431927609093672

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Nature’s Conveyor Belt: The Matrix Mediated Biomineralization of Magnetite in Chitons (Mollusca)

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Nature’s Conveyor Belt: The Matrix Mediated Biomineralization of Magnetite in Chitons (Mollusca)

Jeremy A Shaw, D J Macey, Lesley R Brooker, M Saunders and P L Clode

Microscopy and Microanalysis, Vol.15(Supplement 2), pp.898-899

Microscopy and Microanalysis Meeting, 2009 (Virginia, United States, 26-Jul-2009–30-Jul-2009)

2009

DOI: https://doi.org/10.1017/S1431927609093672

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Abstract

molluscs

mineralization

biomineralization

Chitons are marine molluscs that use a variety of iron and calcium based minerals to harden their teeth, which they use to scrape algae growing upon, and within, rocks. The teeth are mounted on a long ribbon-like organ termed the radula, with immature, unmineralized teeth at the posterior end and the hardened iron-mineralized teeth at the anterior end (Fig. 1). At any one time, up to 80 individual tooth rows can be observed, with each row becoming progressively mineralized as itmoves forward in a conveyor belt-like manner. The ability to study the entire mineralization process in a single animal makes these creatures ideal for the study of matrix mediated biomineralization. The chiton's ability to mineralize iron has inspired researchers who believe that new biomimetic materials and technologies can be developed based on the principles of biomineral formation.

Details

Title: Nature’s Conveyor Belt: The Matrix Mediated Biomineralization of Magnetite in Chitons (Mollusca)
Authors: Jeremy A Shaw (Author) - University of Western Australia
D J Macey (Author) - Murdoch University
Lesley R Brooker (Author) - University of the Sunshine Coast - Faculty of Science, Health, Education and Engineering
M Saunders (Author) - University of Western Australia
P L Clode (Author) - University of Western Australia
Publication details: Microscopy and Microanalysis, Vol.15(Supplement 2), pp.898-899
Conference details: Microscopy and Microanalysis Meeting, 2009 (Virginia, United States, 26-Jul-2009–30-Jul-2009)
Publisher: Microscopy Society of America
Date published: 2009
DOI: 10.1017/S1431927609093672
ISSN: 1431-9276
Organisation Unit: University of the Sunshine Coast, Queensland
Language: English
Record Identifier: 99449733402621
Output Type: Abstract

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Collaboration types: Domestic collaboration
Web Of Science research areas: Materials Science, Multidisciplinary; Microscopy

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