CHED 229 |
| In order to adapt to changing environments, many organisms have evolved vital supporting structures. These structures range from the complex skeletal systems found in mammals and reptiles to the simple shells of mollusks such as abalone. Typically comprised of calcium-based biominerals, these remarkable frameworks take on numerous functions. The nucleation, composition, growth rate, shape, and strength of these structures vary with the type of organic macromolecules utilized. These macromolecules play an important role in the morphogenesis of calcium carbonate crystals of the genus Haliotis. Previous research on the Haliotis rufescens revealed that several proteins play a significant role in the crystal growth of the shell by binding non-uniformly to growing calcium carbonate surfaces. However, similar studies have not been previously reported in other abalone species. Here, we report on the isolation and purification of water-soluble proteins extracted from the Haliotis fulgens (green abalone), Haliotis rufescens (red abalone) and a Haliotis hybrid (red/green). We also report on the beginning of observations on the effect the proteins have on calcium carbonate crystal growth. |
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Undergraduate Research Poster Session: Biochemistry
2:30 PM-4:30 PM, Monday, 11 September 2006 Moscone Center -- Hall D, Poster
Division of Chemical Education |