CALCIFICATION IN MARINE MOLLUSCS

Abstract

Studies were made of a number of marine mollusks with special reference to calcification in regenerating regions of the shell. Histological and histochemical tests of the mantle revealed that conchin is elaborated at the free surface; part of this surface contains the enzyme alkaline phosphatase, while widely distr. mucous glands secrete the initial mineral deposit upon the organic matrix which subsequently calcifies. Expts. in which various mineral salts were withdrawn from sea-water result in profound modification of the mineral content of the regenerating shell. The mechanism by means of which phosphate is transformed to carbonate, the final calcined product of the shell, awaits further studies.