Biomineralization mechanisms

The arthropods present us with an intriguing range of biomineralization mechanisms that suits their peculiar bodily needs and functions. Biomineralization activities change on demand during their life cycle and clearly have been modulated to maximize a particular form and function. Sequestering and recycling of calcium for hardening their carapaces, an essential part of their defense mechanism. 

Nancollas, G.H. and Wu, W. (2000) Biomineralization mechanisms a kinetics and interfacial energy approach. /. Cryst. 

Crenshaw, M. A. Biomineralization Mechanisms. In Skeletal biomineralization patterns, processes and evolutionary trends, Vol. I, Carter, J.G., Ed. Van Norstrand Reinhold New York, 1990. 

Bone and teeth in mammals and bony fishes all rely on calcium phosphates in the form of hydroxyapatite [Ca5(P04)30H]2, usually associated with around 5% carbonate (and referred to as carbonated apatite). The bones of the endoskeleton and the dentin and enamel of teeth have a high mineral content of carbonated apatite, and represent an extraordinary variety of structures with physical and mechanical properties exquisitely adapted to their particular function in the tissue where they are produced. We begin by discussing the formation of bone and then examine the biomineralization process leading to the hardest mineralized tissue known, the enamel of mammalian teeth. 

Biomineralization. In biomineralization, inorganic elements are extracted from the environment and selectively precipitated by organisms. Usually, templates consisting of suitable macro-molecules serve as a substrate for the heterogeneous nu-cleation of bulk mineralized structures such as bone, teeth and shells. Biological control mechanisms are reflected not only in the type of the mineral phase formed but also in its morphology and crystallographic orientation (Mann et al., 1989 Lowenstamm and Weiner, 1989). Two examples (perhaps oversimplified) may illustrate the principle (Ochial, 1991) ... 

The ratio of the instantaneous solute concentration c to the solute s solubility s, where the latter is the solute concentration in equihbrium with its crystalline or precipitated phase. Hence, RS = c/s, and a supersaturated solution experiences a thermodynamic driving force (AG = RT ln[RS]). A supersaturated solution will remain as a metastable state, because crystallization or precipitation requires a mechanism for relieving the supersaturated condition (eg., nucleation or addition of crystallite/precipitate). See Biomineralization... 

Ghiorse.W.E. (2002) Effed of oxide formation mechanisms on lead adsorption by biogenic manganese hydroxides and their mixtures. Environ. Sci. Techn. 36 421-425 Nembrini, G. Buffle, J. Haerdi, W. (1976) Vol-tametric behavior of iron(III) hydrolyzed solutions and characterization of the reducible species. J. Colloid Interface Sci. 57 327-336 Nesson, M.H. Lowenstam, H.A. (1985) Biomineralization proceses of radula teeth of chitons. In Kirschvink, J.L. Stone, D.S. (eds.) Magnetite biomineralization and magneto reception in organisms. Plenum Press, New York, 333-363... 

Biomineralization, 36 137-139 calcium carbonate, 36 163-167 in algae, 36 166-167 gravity sensors, 36 164-166 carbonate/sulfate mineralization mechanisms, 36 171-175... 

Solid-State Bioinorganic Chemistry Mechanisms and Models of Biomineralization Stephen Mann and Carole C. Perry... 

Our understanding of the mechanisms of biomineralization is superficial435. In the past 20 years, most researchers have concentrated upon the extracellular concepts of epitaxy, matrix composition and solubility products while recently the role of cellular organelles and enzymes have attracted more attention. But there are some accepted principles which necessarily carry theoretical implications445. ... 

However, cellular mechanisms for calcium transfer and homeostasis intimately associated with mitochondria and biomineralization are an essential process in Ca2+-regulation479, 480. ... 

Krampitz, G., Engels, J., Hamm, M., Samata, T., Cazaux, C. Biochemical studies on the components of mollusc shells. In The 3rd Internat. Symp. Mechanisms of Biomineralization in the Invertebrates and Plants, Kashikojima, Japan, 8-11 Oct. 1977 Abstr. No. 16... 

Crenshaw, M. A. Ionotropic Nucleation by Molluscan Shell Matrix. In The 3rd Internat. Symp. Mechanisms of Biomineralization in the Invertebrates and Plants, Kashikojima,... 

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