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Structure of the Organic Matrix in Mollusc Shells and Avian Eggshells

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Biological Mineralization and Demineralization

Part of the book series: Dahlem Workshop Reports ((DAHLEM LIFE,volume 23))

Abstract

The organic matrices of mollusc shells as well as of avian eggshells include organic components soluble in aqueous solutions and constituents not soluble in water and organic solvents. The matrix components are regarded as being closely involved in biomineralization processes. The concept of an organic matrix depends on the hypothesis that macromolecular organic constituents largely control the deposition of solid inorganic matter. Concerning the chemical nature of matrices of mollusc shells and avian eggshells, macromolecules are thought to be important in binding various ions at anionic or cationic sites. These macromolecules are usually predominantly proteins. Occasionally the matrix is rich in highly basic polyanions, polyuronic acid, or sulfated polysaccharides. Ca-binding macromolecules have been identified among the soluble constituents of the matrix. The binding sites for calcium by soluble macromolecules are probably acidic building blocks of the polymers. The exact function of Ca-binding macromolecules in calcification processes is not clear. Among the soluble biopolymers of the matrix, also the enzymes have been detected as polyphenol oxidases and carbonic anhydrase. The chemical structure of the insoluble matrix and its biological significance on the molecular level need more elucidation, although studies on the secondary structure revealed in some cases antiparallel ß-pleated sheet conformation and Ca-binding properties.

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  1. Abteilung für Biochemie, Institut für Anatomie, Physiologie und Hygiene der Haustiere der Universität Bonn, 5300, Bonn 1, German Federal Republic

    G. P. Krampitz

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  1. G. P. Krampitz
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  1. Dept. of Chemistry, State University of New York, 14214, Buffalo, NY, USA

    G. H. Nancollas

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© 1982 Dr. S. Bernhard, Dahlem Konferenzen, Berlin

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Krampitz, G.P. (1982). Structure of the Organic Matrix in Mollusc Shells and Avian Eggshells. In: Nancollas, G.H. (eds) Biological Mineralization and Demineralization. Dahlem Workshop Reports, vol 23. Springer, Berlin, Heidelberg. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-642-68574-3_11

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-642-68574-3_11

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