Abstract
Biominerals are minerals which are formed in an organism under the control of genes; these genes encode matrix components or proteins needed for enzymatic activity, trafficking, or other cellular activities. They often differ from the thermodynamically most stable form that is found in the non-biological environment. The formation of biominerals needs catalysis by the living organism. Often it is not possible to prepare them in vitro. Most biominerals are found in a microcrystalline state but amorphous states are also observed.
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Reference
Mann S (2001) Biomineralization, principles and concepts in bioinorganic materials chemistry. Oxford University Press
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Engel, J. (2017). Chemistry and Minerals. In: A Critical Survey of Biomineralization. SpringerBriefs in Applied Sciences and Technology. Springer, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-47711-4_2
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-47711-4_2
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