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Orientation of apatite and organic matrix inLingula unguis shell

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Summary

The orientation relationship between apatite and organic matrix in shell ofLingula unguis (inarticulate brachiopod) was studied. The organic layers, mineralized layers, and decalcified mineralized layers were examined layer by layer using microbeam X-ray diffraction technique. Both organic layer and decalcified mineralized layer showed the diffraction pattern of β-chitin. The degree of orientation of apatite showed correlation to that of β-chitin: Well oriented diffraction patterns of apatite crystal and organic matrix were observed in the central part. In this part, the fiber axis of β-chitin was parallel to the c-axis of apatite. A close relationship of unit cell dimension between apatite and chitin was indicated. These strongly suggest that the fibrous structure of organic matrix assists the orientation of apatite crystals inLingula unguis shell.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. School of Dentistry, Department of Dental Materials and Technology, Asahi University, 1851 Hozumi, Hozumi-cho, Matosu-gun, 501-02, Gifu, Japan

    Mayumi Iijima & Yutaka Moriwaki

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  1. Mayumi Iijima
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  2. Yutaka Moriwaki
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Iijima, M., Moriwaki, Y. Orientation of apatite and organic matrix inLingula unguis shell. Calcif Tissue Int 47, 237–242 (1990). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF02555925

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF02555925

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