Abstract
The major lateral radula teeth of chitons (Mollusca:Polyplacophora) are one of the hardest and most wear resistant biomineralized tissues known to date. Their hierarchical architecture makes ingenious use of magnetite and a variety of other biominerals. In this chapter, we review the current understanding of radula tooth structure and function, the role of the organic matrix into which the mineral is deposited, and the sequence of events that results in highly selective precipitation of iron oxide biominerals in precisely delimited micro-architectural units. We further point out gaps in our knowledge, and highlight new approaches to investigate the molecular mechanisms that underlie biological control over iron oxide phase transformations.
Original language | English (US) |
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Title of host publication | Iron Oxides |
Subtitle of host publication | From Nature to Applications |
Publisher | wiley |
Pages | 177-205 |
Number of pages | 29 |
ISBN (Electronic) | 9783527691395 |
ISBN (Print) | 9783527338825 |
DOIs | |
State | Published - Apr 29 2016 |
Keywords
- Apatite
- Biomineralization
- Chiton
- Ferrihydrite
- Hierarchical structure
- Iron oxide
- Lepidocrocite
- Magnetite
- Mechanical properties
- Radula teeth
ASJC Scopus subject areas
- Chemistry(all)