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The Biological Bulletin, Vol 179, Issue 2 207-213, Copyright © 1990 by Marine Biological Laboratory

PHYSIOLOGY

Collagen in the Spicule Organic Matrix of the Gorgonian Leptogorgia virgulata

R. J. Kingsley, M. Tsuzaki, N. Watabe and G. L. Mechanic
Department of Biology, University of Richmond, Richmond, Virginia 23173

Decalcification of the calcareous spicules from the gorgonian Leptogorgia virgulata reveals an organic matrix that may be divided into water insoluble and soluble fractions. The insoluble fraction displays characteristics typical of collagen, which is an unusual component of an invertebrate calcium carbonate structure. This matrix fraction exhibits a collagenous amino acid profile and behavior upon SDS-PAGE. Furthermore, the reducible crosslink, dihydroxylysinonorleucine (DHLNL), is detected in this fraction. The composition of the matrix varies seasonally; i.e., the collagenous composition is most prevalent in the summer. These results indicate that the insoluble matrix is a dynamic structure. Potential roles of this matrix in spicule calcification are discussed.




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Copyright © 1990 by the Marine Biological Laboratory.