Comparative analysis of macromolecules in mollusc shells

1. Proteins and polysaccharides were isolated from the shells of molluscs; blue mussel, Mytilus edulis, chambered nautilus, Nautilus pompilius, and red abalone, Haliotus rufescens. 2. N-acetyl glucosamine was detected in nautilus but not mussel or abalone. 3. Amino acid analysis of protein fractions was completed for the three molluscs and purified proteins from the mussel were partially sequenced. 4. Calcium binding studies were carried out with some of the protein fractions.