Perez-Huerta, A., Cusack, M., McDonald, S., Marone, F., Stampanoni, M. and Mackay, S. (2009) Brachiopod punctae: a complexity in shell biomineralisation. Journal of Structural Biology, 167(1), pp. 62-67. (doi: 10.1016/j.jsb.2009.03.013) (PMID:19341799)
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Publisher's URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.jsb.2009.03.013
Abstract
Perforations ("punctae") are one of the most characteristic morphological shell features in calcite brachiopods. The significance of punctae is that they represent discontinuities in shell biomineralisation and thus add a level of complexity that must be accounted for in any model of brachiopod shell formation. A significant hindrance to understanding punctae growth and formation is the absence of sufficient information on volume, size and density. Here, we use synchrotron-radiation X-ray tomographic microscopy (SRXTM) to obtain three-dimensional information about punctae of five species of calcite brachiopods. X-ray tomography shows that punctae morphology is species-specific and reveals previously unknown levels of complexity for each species. This information is combined with previous data on morphology to discuss the function and growth of punctae. Overall the present study demonstrates the need to increase our understanding of discontinuities and the role of cell biology in the context of biomineralisation.
| Item Type: | Articles |
|---|---|
| Keywords: | Synchrotron-radiation X-ray tomographic microscopy (SRXTM); calcite; terebratulide; fibres |
| Status: | Published |
| Refereed: | Yes |
| Glasgow Author(s) Enlighten ID: | Perez-Huerta, Dr Alberto and Cusack, Professor Maggie and Mackay, Dr Sarah |
| Authors: | Perez-Huerta, A., Cusack, M., McDonald, S., Marone, F., Stampanoni, M., and Mackay, S. |
| Subjects: | Q Science > Q Science (General) Q Science > QH Natural history |
| College/School: | College of Medical Veterinary and Life Sciences > School of Life Sciences College of Science and Engineering > School of Geographical and Earth Sciences |
| Journal Name: | Journal of Structural Biology |
| ISSN: | 1047-8477 |
| ISSN (Online): | 1095-8657 |
| Published Online: | 31 March 2009 |
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