X-RAY DIFFRACTION STUDIES ON FISH BONES

Abstract

X-ray diffraction patterns of fish bones have been recorded and compared with diffractograms of bones of various mammalians. The 3 most intensive diffraction lines in decreasing order correspond to spacings of 2.73, 1.76 and 2.22 A. Non-decalcified long bones of mammals and lower fish ribs show marked orientation in the meridional sector of 2 rings. Upper fish ribs and cross section of long bones do not show signs of orientation. The x-ray diffraction patterns (x-ray beam perpendicular to the longitudinal axis) of decalcified (lower) ribs of fish and of decalcified longitudinal slabs of long bones from mammalians are practically identical to those of tendon taken under similar conditions. Decalcified (upper) fish ribs and decalcified cross sections of long lamb bones show the pattern of gelatine without signs of orientation. If a decalcified upper rib is stretched while drying, then a pattern similar to the one of lower ribs and tendon results.