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Novel Techniques for Observing Structural Dynamics of Photoresponsive Liquid Crystals
Published on: May 29, 2018
Yolk spherocrystal: the structure, composition and liquid crystal template.
Hua Tong1, Peng Wan, Wentao Ma
1College of chemistry and molecular sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan 430072, PR China.
Journal of Structural Biology
|May 20, 2008
Summary
Chicken embryo development involves yolk spherocrystals, biomineral structures composed of calcium carbonate and yolk liquid crystal, acting as a calcium reservoir within the egg yolk sac.
Area of Science:
- Biomineralization
- Developmental Biology
- Materials Science
Background:
- Yolk spherocrystals are biomineral structures formed in the egg yolk sac during chicken embryo incubation.
- Yolk liquid crystal, a lipid phase, also develops within the yolk sac during embryonic development.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the structure and composition of yolk spherocrystals and yolk liquid crystal.
- To understand the role of yolk spherocrystals in calcium storage during embryonic development.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of yolk spherocrystal and yolk liquid crystal structure and composition.
- Utilized various modern analytical techniques.
Main Results:
- Yolk spherocrystals are multi-layered spheres composed of calcium carbonate (primarily vaterite) and yolk liquid crystal.
- Yolk liquid crystal exhibits a concentric multi-layered spherical structure and is composed of lecithin.
- The yolk liquid crystal is proposed to act as an organic template for spherocrystal mineralization.
Conclusions:
- Yolk spherocrystals are composite structures essential for calcium storage in the egg yolk sac.
- The yolk liquid crystal plays a crucial role in the formation and structure of yolk spherocrystals.
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