Structural, mineralogical, and biochemical diversity in the lower part of the pearl layer of cultivated seawater pearls from Polynesia

Cuif, J.-P., Ball, A.D., Dauphin, Y., Farre, B., Nouet, J., Perez-Huerta, A., Salomé, M. and Williams, C.T. (2008) Structural, mineralogical, and biochemical diversity in the lower part of the pearl layer of cultivated seawater pearls from Polynesia. Microscopy and Microanalysis, 14(5), pp. 405-417. (doi: 10.1017/S1431927608080859) (PMID:18793485)

Abstract

A series of Polynesian pearls has been investigated with particular attention to the structural and compositional patterns of the early developmental stages of the pearl layer. These initial steps in pearl formation bear witness of the metabolic changes that have occurred during the pearl-sac formation. The resulting structurally and biochemically complex structures have been investigated using a variety of techniques that provide us with information concerning both mineral phases and the organic components. Results are discussed with respect to our understanding of the biomineralization mechanisms, as well as for the grafting process.

• Item Type: Articles
• Keywords: Pearl growth, biomineralization, nacre, prisms, calcite, aragonite, microstructure
• Status: Published
• Refereed: Yes
• Glasgow Author(s) Enlighten ID: Perez-Huerta, Dr Alberto
• Authors: Cuif, J.-P., Ball, A.D., Dauphin, Y., Farre, B., Nouet, J., Perez-Huerta, A., Salomé, M., and Williams, C.T.
• Subjects: G Geography. Anthropology. Recreation > GC Oceanography
• College/School: College of Science and Engineering > School of Geographical and Earth Sciences
• Journal Name: Microscopy and Microanalysis
• Publisher: Cambridge University Press
• ISSN: 1431-9276
• ISSN (Online): 1435-8115
• Published Online: 16 September 2009
• Copyright Holders: Copyright © 2008 Cambridge University Press
• First Published: First published in Microscopy and Microanalysis 14(5):405-417
• Publisher Policy: Reproduced in accordance with the copyright policy of the publisher.

Project Code	Award No	Project Name	Principal Investigator	Funder's Name	Funder Ref	Lead Dept
42931	1	Crystallography for biology - as easy as EBSD	Maggie Cusack	Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council (BBSRC)	BB/E003265/1	School of Geographical and Earth Sciences