The storage of calcium and magnesium phosphates and of calcite in the digestive glands of the pulmonata (Gastropoda)

Burton, R.F. (1972) The storage of calcium and magnesium phosphates and of calcite in the digestive glands of the pulmonata (Gastropoda). Comparative Biochemistry and Physiology Part A: Physiology, 43(3), pp. 655-663. (doi: 10.1016/0300-9629(72)90252-6) (PMID:4120561)

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Abstract

1. The digestive gland of Helix pomatia contains large amounts of calcium and magnesium, 290–1257 and 213–636 m-moles/kg dry weight respectively. These are located in spherules in the “calcium cells”. 2. There is a positive correlation between the concentrations of calcium and magnesium in H. pomatia to which data on Helix aspersa, Cepaea nemoralis and Limax maximus also conform. 3. Separated spherules from H. pomatia contained calcium, magnesium, phosphate and carbonate in the average molar proportions of 1 : 0·6 : 1 : 0·1. X-ray diffraction analysis revealed the presence of calcite. 4. Evidence was obtained for seasonal variation in the amounts of calcium and magnesium in the digestive glands of H. pomatia, but none for the mobilization of these elements during shell repair.

Item Type:Articles
Status:Published
Refereed:Yes
Glasgow Author(s) Enlighten ID:Burton, Dr Richard
Authors: Burton, R.F.
College/School:College of Medical Veterinary and Life Sciences > School of Life Sciences
Journal Name:Comparative Biochemistry and Physiology Part A: Physiology
Publisher:Pergamon Press
ISSN:0300-9629

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