ePrints

An intracrystalline chromoprotein from red brachiopod shells: implications for the process of biomineralization

Lookup NU author(s): Dr Geoffrey AbbottORCiD

Downloads

Full text for this publication is not currently held within this repository. Alternative links are provided below where available.

Abstract

1. The red colour of some terebratulid brachiopod shells is caused by a small chromoprotein that occurs within the calcium carbonate matrix of the shell. 2. This carotenoid-protein complex was isolated from within the calcite shell of three different brachiopod genera and may therefore be involved in the process of biomineralization. 3. The apparent molecular weight of this protein, as judged by SDS-PAGE, is 6.5 kDa. 4. The partial N-terminal amino acid sequence of the protein is virtually identical in three different brachipod genera, indicating homology. 5. Two carotenoids are present in Terebratella sanguinea: canthaxanthin and the tentatively identified monoacetylinic analogue of astaxanthin.

Publication metadata

Author(s): Cusack M, Curry G, Clegg H, Abbott GD

Publication type: Article

Publication status: Published

Journal: Comparative Biochemistry and Physiology. Part B: Biochemistry & Molecular Biology

Year: 1992

Volume: 102

Issue: 1

Pages: 93-95

ISSN (print): 1096-4959

ISSN (electronic): 1879-1107

URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/0305-0491(92)90278-Y

DOI: 10.1016/0305-0491(92)90278-Y

Altmetrics

Share