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Attachment of oysters to natural substrata by biologically induced marine carbonate cement

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Abstract

Oysters live permanently immobilised by cementation of the left valve to a hard substrate. The contact zone between oysters and natural substrata has been analysed using SEM imaging, electron dispersive X-ray microanalysis, electron backscatter diffraction and Raman spectroscopy and reveals the influence of both biogenic and non-biogenic processes in oyster cementation. Original adhesion is brought about by secretion of an organic component that acts as a nucleating surface onto which crystals precipitate. These crystals have a random orientation and are composed of high Mg calcite. This suggests that the crystals nucleating on the glue substrate are outwith the biological control experienced by the shell biomineralisation process and are formed by inorganic precipitation from seawater. It is proposed that oysters do not control or secrete crystalline cement. Instead, they adhere by secretion of an organic film onto which crystals precipitate from seawater.

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Acknowledgments

Research is funded by a BBSRC DTA award which is gratefully acknowledged. We also thank Peter Chung for his assistance with SEM and EBSD analysis as well as John Gilleece and Nick Kamenos for assistance with sample preparation. Finally, many thanks to Colin Braithwaite for his assistance and advice throughout this study.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Geographical and Earth Science, University of Glasgow, Gregory Building Lilybank Gardens, Glasgow, G12 8QQ, UK

    Joanne MacDonald & Maggie Cusack

  2. Glasgow Biomedical Research Centre, University of Glasgow, 120 University Place, Glasgow, G12 8TA, UK

    Andy Freer

Authors
  1. Joanne MacDonald
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  2. Andy Freer
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  3. Maggie Cusack
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Correspondence to Joanne MacDonald.

Additional information

Communicated by F. Bulleri.

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MacDonald, J., Freer, A. & Cusack, M. Attachment of oysters to natural substrata by biologically induced marine carbonate cement. Mar Biol 157, 2087–2095 (2010). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00227-010-1476-7

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00227-010-1476-7

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