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The argonaut constructs its shell via physical self-organization and coordinated cell sensorial activity
Antonio G Checa1,2, Fátima Linares3, Christian Grenier1
1Departamento de Estratigrafía y Paleontología, Universidad de Granada, 18071 Granada, Spain.
Iscience
|November 12, 2021
Summary
The Argonauta shell
Area of Science:
- Biomineralization
- Materials Science
- Marine Biology
Background:
- The shell of the cephalopod Argonauta exhibits a unique fibrous structure.
- This structure is composed of high-Mg calcite fibers with organic sheaths, forming a polygonal network.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the evolutionary process of Argonauta shell fiber formation.
- To elucidate the mechanisms underlying the growth and patterning of these biogenic fibers.
Main Methods:
- Serial sectioning combined with electron microscopy-associated techniques.
- Analysis of fiber cross-sectional area changes during shell growth.
Main Results:
- Fibers with smaller cross-sectional areas shrink, while larger ones widen during shell development.
- The shell's polygonal network structure evolves through a process resembling emulsion, with new membranes subdividing large polygons.
- Cellular activity, including contact recognition and sub-micron secretion, is crucial for pattern continuation and subdivision.
Conclusions:
- Argonauta shell fabrication results from a combination of physical self-organization and directed cellular activity.
- Living cells play an active role in maintaining and refining the shell's intricate micro-architecture.
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