Journal
NATURE CHEMISTRY
Volume 2, Issue 12, Pages 1084-1088Publisher
NATURE PUBLISHING GROUP
DOI: 10.1038/NCHEM.899
Keywords
-
Categories
Funding
- Deutscher Akademischer Austauschdienst (DAAD) [325, A/08/72558]
- Russian Ministry of Education and Science (RMES) [8066]
- European Union
- Northern Way Initiative
- German Science Foundation (DFG) [Graduiertenkolleg 378]
- European Fund for Regional Structure Development
- [NE/C511148/1]
- NERC [NE/C511148/1] Funding Source: UKRI
- Natural Environment Research Council [NE/C511148/1] Funding Source: researchfish
Ask authors/readers for more resources
The minerals involved in the formation of metazoan skeletons principally comprise glassy silica, calcium phosphate or carbonate. Because of their ancient heritage, glass sponges (Hexactinellida) may shed light on fundamental questions such as molecular evolution, the unique chemistry and formation of the first skeletal silica-based structures, and the origin of multicellular animals. We have studied anchoring spicules from the metre-long stalk of the glass rope sponge (Hyalonema sieboldi; Porifera, Class Hexactinellida), which are remarkable for their size, durability, flexibility and optical properties. Using slow-alkali etching of biosilica, we isolated the organic fraction, which was revealed to be dominated by a hydroxylated fibrillar collagen that contains an unusual [Gly-3Hyp-4Hyp] motif. We speculate that this motif is predisposed for silica precipitation, and provides a novel template for biosilicification in nature.
Authors
I am an author on this paper
Click your name to claim this paper and add it to your profile.
Reviews
Recommended
No Data Available