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Structure and Function of Stony Coral Intraskeletal Polysaccharides
Annamaria Naggi1, Giangiacomo Torri1, Marcello Iacomini2
1Istituto di Ricerche Chimiche e Biochimiche "G. Ronzoni" Milano, via Giuseppe Colombo 81, 20133 Milano, Italy.
ACS Omega
|September 18, 2018
Summary
Coral polysaccharides, primarily a glucuronic acid polymer, are key to the calcification process. This study reveals their structure and in vitro influence on coral skeleton formation.
Area of Science:
- Marine Biology
- Biochemistry
- Biomineralization
Background:
- Polysaccharides are a major component of the coral's skeletal organic matrix.
- Their specific structure and role in calcification remain largely unknown.
Purpose of the Study:
- To identify the key polysaccharide component within the coral skeletal organic matrix.
- To investigate the influence of this polysaccharide on the calcification process in vitro.
Main Methods:
- Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR) spectroscopy
- Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy
- Monosaccharide composition analysis
Main Results:
- Identified the primary polysaccharide as a 1→3 β-d glucuronic acid polymer.
- Demonstrated the influence of this glucuronic acid polymer on in vitro calcification.
Conclusions:
- The identified glucuronic acid polymer is a crucial component of the coral skeletal organic matrix.
- This polysaccharide plays a significant role in the coral calcification process.
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