The junction zone: Initial site of mineralization in radula teeth of the chiton Cryptoplax striata (Mollusca: Polyplacophora)

Macey, D.J. and Brooker, L.R. (1996) The junction zone: Initial site of mineralization in radula teeth of the chiton Cryptoplax striata (Mollusca: Polyplacophora). Journal of Morphology, 230 (1). pp. 33-42.

Abstract

Elemental composition and distribution in individual teeth of the whole radula of the chiton Cryptoplax striata were analyzed using energy-dispersive spectroscopy. Both the element deposited and its position within the tooth vary according to the stage of mineralization. The initial site of mineralization is the junction zone, the region between the tooth cusp and base. In this region, the first element to be deposited is iron, followed by phosphorus and then calcium. Iron deposition next commences in the tooth cusp cap, where it proceeds rapidly, being virtually complete within 12 tooth rows. By contrast, mineralization in the core of the tooth cusp does not commence until well down the radula and consists initially of iron and phosphorus with the addition of a small amount of calcium 6 rows later. While mineralization in the tooth base commences early in radula development, it continues right through to the fully mature end of the radula. A number of minor elements are also found at various stages of mineralization. The data obtained have been used to construct a schematic of the progression of mineralization along the length of the radula.

Item Type:	Journal Article
Murdoch Affiliation:	School of Biological and Environmental Sciences
Publisher:	Wiley-Blackwell
Copyright:	© 1996 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
URI:	http://researchrepository.murdoch.edu.au/id/eprint/1796

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