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Three Systems of Biomineralization in Plants with Comments on the Associated Organic Matrix

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Biological Mineralization and Demineralization

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

Abstract

Three systems of biomineralization are common in higher plants. The formation of intracellular deposits of crystalline calcium oxalate takes place in a crystal vacuole. The individual crystal (one to many) develops within a crystal chamber bounded by a membrane and is often associated with tubules and membranes in the crystal vacuole. Other than the presence of polysaccharide and protein, the chemical nature of these elements is not well established. Exactly which elements constitute an organic matrix is not clear. In the formation of calcium carbonate in cystoliths, however, the structure that constitutes the organic matrix is clear. The carbonate is deposited in association with a siliconized cellulose and callose framework. Demineralized cystoliths clearly show this organic “skeleton.” The third system is the formation of hydrated silicon dioxide as deposits of silica gel or opal. Silicon may impregnate primary walls where it is associated with the hemicellulose-pectic fraction of the wall; it may form as intercellular bodies, or it may form internal casts of various cell types. The organic matrix associated with mineralization in higher plants is not well defined.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Dept. of Biology, The University of Texas, Arlington, TX, 76019, USA

    H. J. Arnott

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  1. H. J. Arnott
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Editors and Affiliations

  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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Arnott, H.J. (1982). Three Systems of Biomineralization in Plants with Comments on the Associated Organic Matrix. 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_10

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-642-68574-3_10

  • Publisher Name: Springer, Berlin, Heidelberg

  • Print ISBN: 978-3-642-68576-7

  • Online ISBN: 978-3-642-68574-3

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