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Studies on enzymes associated with calcification of the cuticle of the hermit crab Clibanarius olivaceous

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Abstract

In the anomuran Clibanarius olivaceous Henderson, the cuticle of the cephalic and thoracic regions is calcified, while that of the abdominal region is uncalcified. Histochemical observations have been made on the possible enzymes involved in the process of calcification of cuticle. The calcified regions show the presence of enzymes such as phosphorylase, alkaline phosphatase and carbonic anhydrase. The possible role of phosphorylase in calcification may be production of phosphoric esters, which form the required substrate for alkaline phosphatase. The latter appear to be associated with the production of phosphate ions from phosphoric esters. The carbonic anhydrase may be associated with the production of carbonate ions. The suggestion that these enzymes are involved in the process of calcification is further supported by experimental evidence of inhibition of the action of enzymes by enzyme inhibitors. The inhibition of enzymes leads to reduction in the amount of calcium added to the cuticle.

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Communicated by N. K. Panikkar, Panaji

This paper formed part of a thesis approved for the award of Ph. D. degree of the University of Madras.

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Chockalingam, S. Studies on enzymes associated with calcification of the cuticle of the hermit crab Clibanarius olivaceous . Marine Biology 10, 169–182 (1971). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00354833

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