Structure and composition of the nacre-prisms transition in the shell of Pinctada margaritifera (Mollusca, Bivalvia).
A microstructural, mineralogical, and chemical study of the nacre-prisms boundary in the shells of Pinctada margaritifera shows that this boundary is not an abrupt transition, but that there exists a distinct fibrous layer with clear topographic structures and evidence of growth lines. A three-step biomineralization process is proposed that involves changes in the chemical and biochemical composition of the last growth increments of the calcite prisms, formation of the fibrous layer, and development of regular tablets in the nacreous layer.
Dauphin
Yannicke
Y
UMR 8148 IDES, Bât 504, Université Paris XI-Orsay, 91405, Orsay Cedex, France. yannicke.dauphin@u-psud.fr
Ball
Alexander D
AD
Cotte
Marine
M
Cuif
Jean-Pierre
JP
Meibom
Anders
A
Salomé
Murielle
M
Susini
Jean
J
Williams
C Terry
CT
D000818:Animals; D018625:Microscopy, Atomic Force; D008855:Microscopy, Electron, Scanning; D008903:Minerals / Q000032:analysis; D049911:Pinctada / Q000033:anatomy & histology* / Q000737:chemistry*; D013053:Spectrophotometry
D008903:Minerals