| Summary: | 碩士 === 國立清華大學 === 生命科學系 === 90 === Limpets are mollusks of the intertidal and subtidal regions whose radula possess teeth hardened by biominerals. The radula in limpets is a ribbon-like apparatus used for feeding and which bears a series of distinctive mineralized teeth. The radula of the limpet, Patelloida striata, consists of a continuous series of teeth in various stages of iron and silica biomineralization.
The morphology of the radular teeth of the limpet have been examined using light, transmission and scanning electron microscopy, together with energy dispersive X-ray analysis spectroscopy. The initial deposition of iron in the teeth takes place in the junction zone, the region that lies between the tooth cusp and the tooth base. Iron in the junction zone is amorphous form, and remains as the teeth becomes matured. The junction zone may have specific physiological functions, such as protection of the tooth base and muscle in lower when the teeth are broken down.
In addition, three peptides with molecular size between 15 and 20 kDa were found in cells, as well as in the tooth cusps. These peptides may involve in biomineralization. According to the result of poly-cloned antibodies detection, these peptides could be membrane proteins or secretory proteins that are transported into cusp after modification.
|
|---|
