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Matrix Heterogeneity in the Radular Teeth of the Chiton Acanthopleura hirtosa
Author(s) -
Evans L. A.,
Macey D. J.,
Webb J.
Publication year - 1994
Publication title -
acta zoologica
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.414
H-Index - 37
eISSN - 1463-6395
pISSN - 0001-7272
DOI - 10.1111/j.1463-6395.1994.tb00963.x
Subject(s) - lepidocrocite , mineralization (soil science) , mineralized tissues , ultrastructure , matrix (chemical analysis) , biology , biomineralization , polyplacophora , mineralogy , transmission electron microscopy , biophysics , materials science , anatomy , paleontology , geology , mollusca , chemistry , composite material , ecology , nanotechnology , dentin , soil water , goethite , organic chemistry , adsorption
The structure and organization of the organic matrix of the cusps of the major lateral teeth of the chiton Acanthopleura hirtosa have been examined using conventional light and transmission electron microscopy techniques and by using the protein ferritin as an ultrastructural probe. The results show major structural differences in the organic matrix between the surface layers of the anterior (calcified) region and the posterior (magnetite‐mineralized) region and their respective underlying regions. In addition, the central (lepidocrocite‐mineralized) region of the tooth has been examined and shown to consist of bundles of fibres arranged such that they display a tightly interwoven pattern. It is suggested that while the structural organization of surface fibres readily permits the passage of ions required for mineralization, the architecturally discrete distribution of biominerals found in mature chiton teeth is due mostly to spatial delineation of the tooth by matrix macromolecules in the central region of the tooth.