Mollusk Shell Formation: A Source of New Concepts for Understanding Biomineralization Processes
- 13 January 2006
- journal article
- concept
- Published by Wiley in Chemistry – A European Journal
- Vol. 12 (4), 980-987
- https://doi.org/10.1002/chem.200500980
Abstract
The biological approach to forming crystals is proving to be most surprising. Mollusks build their shells by using a hydrophobic silk gel, very acidic aspartic acid rich proteins, and apparently also an amorphous precursor phase from which the crystals form. All this takes place in a highly structured chitinous framework. Here we present ideas on how these disparate components work together to produce the highly structured pearly nacreous layer of the mollusk shell.Keywords
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