Is mucus involved in biocrystallization? Study of the intestinal mucus of the sea-water eel Anguilla anguilla L.
Freeze-dried intestinal mucus of sea-water-adapted eels was analysed by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and X-ray microanalysis. Calcite crystals were observed in the mucus fibres; their concentration increased along the hindgut. Random SEM observations made in situ indicated that mucus fibres were involved in the genesis of these crystals. Calcium-rich mucus globules were found fused inside crystal matrices. Single typical rhombohedric crystals of various complexity appeared within the mucus framework. The steps of crystal biogenesis were reconstituted in in-vitro conditions.
D000811:Anguilla; D000818:Animals; D002118:Calcium / Q000032:analysis; D003460:Crystallization; D004577:Electron Probe Microanalysis; D005612:Freeze Drying; D007422:Intestines / Q000648:ultrastructure*; D008855:Microscopy, Electron, Scanning; D009093:Mucus / Q000648:ultrastructure*
D002118:Calcium