The composition of intracellular granules from the metal-accumulating cells of the common garden snail (Helix aspersa).
Certain cells in the hepatopancreas of the common garden snail (Helix aspersa) contain intracellular granules that are sites of metal-ion accumulation. These granules have been extracted and investigated by u.v. and i.r. spectroscopy, atomic-absorption spectroscopy, X-ray microanalysis, thermogravimetric analysis, enzymic assay and microanalysis. The deposits contain about 18% (w/w) water, 5% (w/w) organic matter and 76% (w/w) inorganic material of which the main components are Ca2+, Mg2+ and P2O7(4)-. The possible origin of these granules is discussed, as is their role in detoxifying heavy-metal ions.
D000818:Animals; D003594:Cytoplasmic Granules / Q000032:analysis*; D011756:Diphosphates / Q000032:analysis / Q000494:pharmacology; D004577:Electron Probe Microanalysis; D006372:Helix, Snails / Q000378:metabolism*; D008099:Liver / Q000378:metabolism; D008670:Metals / Q000032:analysis* / Q000506:poisoning; D010179:Pancreas / Q000378:metabolism; D010710:Phosphates / Q000378:metabolism; D013055:Spectrophotometry, Infrared
D011756:Diphosphates; D008670:Metals; D010710:Phosphates