Modification of shell formation in the giant clam Tridacna gigas at elevated nutrient levels in sea water

Belda, C.A., Cuff, C., and Yellowlees, D. (1993) Modification of shell formation in the giant clam Tridacna gigas at elevated nutrient levels in sea water. Marine Biology, 117 (2). pp. 251-257.

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Abstract

The effect on shell formation of Tridacna gigas by sea water supplemented for 3 mo with ammonium (5, 10 μM, N) and phosphate (2, 5, 10 μM, P), separately or in combination, was examined. Exposure to N and N+P significantly enhanced shell-extension rates, but significantly reduced shell weights at equivalent size. Scanning-electron microscopy further revealed structural alterations in the outer shell layer, such as misshapen aragonite crystals, irregular crossed-lamellar orientation, and relatively porous shell microstructure. These observations are consistent with results of X-ray diffractometry on the shells which show distinct shifts in the positions of reflections from the (012) and (200) crystal planes relative to the control, indicating changes in crystal lattice parameters following addition of nutrients

Item ID: 33821
Item Type: Article (Research - C1)
ISSN: 1432-1793
Funders: ACIAR, ARC, URG
Date Deposited: 01 Jul 2014 05:25
FoR Codes: 06 BIOLOGICAL SCIENCES > 0601 Biochemistry and Cell Biology > 060112 Structural Biology (incl Macromolecular Modelling) @ 50%
06 BIOLOGICAL SCIENCES > 0608 Zoology > 060807 Animal Structure and Function @ 50%
SEO Codes: 96 ENVIRONMENT > 9608 Flora, Fauna and Biodiversity > 960808 Marine Flora, Fauna and Biodiversity @ 100%
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