Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 26, 2026

Methods of Ex Situ and In Situ Investigations of Structural Transformations: The Case of Crystallization of Metallic Glasses
Published on: June 7, 2018
Effects of H+ concentration on amorphous mineral granules: structural stability and elemental mobilization
José Dias Corrêa1, Maria Inês Bruno, Silvana Allodi
1Departamento de Morfologia, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Antônio Carlos, 6627, 31270-901 Belo Horizonte, MG, Brazil. correajr@icb.ufmg.br
Abstract:
Phosphate-rich amorphous mineral granules (AMG) have been studied in a number of organisms, and show different physical and chemical properties according to their organic and mineral composition. We studied AMG isolated from the hepatopancreas of the land crab Ucides cordatus, which were subjected to different pHs in order to mimic the possible effects of H(+) on these structures. We used scanning and transmission electron microscopy (SEM, TEM), energy-filtering transmission electron microscopy (EFTEM), energy-dispersive X-ray analysis (EDXA) and nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR). TEM showed that granules were structurally disrupted when subjected to pH 5. The granules contain a soluble fraction that is rich in orthophosphate, which was the most abundant form of phosphate, although pyrophosphate and glucose-6-phosphate were also detected by (31)P NMR analysis. The redistribution of elements in the structure and pH conditions is discussed, focusing on their possible implications for AMG structure, function and dynamics.
More Related Videos
05:50Facile Preparation of Ultrafine Aluminum Hydroxide Particles with or without Mesoporous MCM-41 in Ambient Environments
Published on: May 11, 2017
07:32Monitoring Pedogenic Inorganic Carbon Accumulation Due to Weathering of Amended Silicate Minerals in Agricultural Soils.
Published on: June 4, 2021
Related Concept Videos
Factors Affecting Dissolution: Polymorphism, Amorphism and Pseudopolymorphism
Some polymorphic crystals possess lower aqueous solubility than their amorphous counterparts, leading to incomplete absorption. For instance, the oral suspension of Chloramphenicol, which...
Complexation Equilibria: Factors Influencing Stability of Complexes
Basicity of Heterocyclic Aromatic Amines
Hydration of Cement
Colloidal precipitates
Complexation Equilibria: The Chelate Effect