In:
Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, Vol. 97, No. 26 ( 2000-12-19), p. 14133-14138
Abstract:
Biomineralizing organisms use organic molecules to generate
species-specific mineral patterns. Here, we describe the chemical structure of long-chain polyamines (up to 20 repeated units), which
represent the main organic constituent of diatom biosilica. These substances are the longest polyamine chains found in nature and induce
rapid silica precipitation from a silicic acid solution. Each diatom is equipped with a species-specific set of polyamines and
silica-precipitating proteins, which are termed silaffins. Different morphologies of precipitating silica can be generated by polyamines of
different chain lengths as well as by a synergistic action of long-chain polyamines and silaffins.
Type of Medium:
Online Resource
ISSN:
0027-8424
,
1091-6490
DOI:
10.1073/pnas.260496497
Language:
English
Publisher:
Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences
Publication Date:
2000
detail.hit.zdb_id:
209104-5
detail.hit.zdb_id:
1461794-8
SSG:
11
SSG:
12
