XVI, 737 p. 431 illus., 146 illus. in color. online resource
SUMMARY
This book presents an overview of our current understanding of the biomineralization mechanisms for shell formation in the pearl oyster Pinctada fucata, based on molecular biology, biochemistry, cell biology, structural biology and environmental biology. Pinctada fucata is the major pearl-producing shellfish in the South China Sea and is also an established model system for the research on the nacre biomineralization mechanism. Extensive studies on nacre biomineralization have provided valuable information for novel bionic material design. Discussing the isolation and gene cloning of the matrix proteins involved in the shell formation, as well as the cell signaling pathways, shell microstructures, and the environmental impacts on shell biomineralization, it is a valuable reference resource for researchers working in the field of nacre biomineralization and biomaterials
CONTENT
Perface -- Chapter 1 Cloning and characterization of genes invovled in the biomineralization of pearl oyster -- Chapter 2 Characterization and functions of proteins invovled in the biomineralization of pearl oyster -- Chapter 3 Study of enzymes involved in the biomineralization of pearl oyster -- Chapter 4 Cell culture and related biomineralization study of pearl oyster -- Chapter 5 Cell signalling pathway involved in the biomineralization of pearl oyster -- Chapter 6 Structral biology of the biomineralization of pearl oyster -- Chapter 7 Environmental biology of biomineralization of pearl oyster
