Kurzfassung

In the last few years much progress has been made in understanding of the molecular mechanisms by which marine organisms like molluscs and sponges are able to form an astonishing variety of biomineral structures. These proteins/molecules are of high interest in nanobiotechnology (“bionics”). In our studies, we focussed on the carbonic anhydrase / silicase which are important for the formation of calcium carbonate and silica and the effects of the environment on biomineral formation. The main...In the last few years much progress has been made in understanding of the molecular mechanisms by which marine organisms like molluscs and sponges are able to form an astonishing variety of biomineral structures. These proteins/molecules are of high interest in nanobiotechnology (“bionics”). In our studies, we focussed on the carbonic anhydrase / silicase which are important for the formation of calcium carbonate and silica and the effects of the environment on biomineral formation. The main objectives of this project were: 1. Characterization of CA / silicase protein in the mussel Mytilus galloprovincialis and the demosponge Suberites domuncula. 2. Determination of carbonic anhydrase / silicase activity in the total soft tissue homogenate of M. galloprovincialis and S. domuncula during the study period, and their distribution in mussel (mantle, gills, digestive gland, gonads) and sponge tissue. 3. Investigation of biomineral (calcium carbonate and silica) formation (mussels: experimental approach by inoculation of inert pearls; sponges: dissolution of spicules) related to carbonic anhydrase / silicase activity and environmental conditions during the investigation period.» weiterlesen» einklappen