Skeletal microstructures of cheilostome bryozoans (phylum Bryozoa, class Gymnolaemata): crystallography and secretion patterns.

ABSTRACT: Gymnolaemata bryozoans produce CaCO₃ skeletons of either calcite, aragonite, or both. Despite extensive research, their crystallography and biomineralization patterns remain unclear. We present a detailed study of the microstructures, mineralogy, and crystallography of eight extant cheilostome species using scanning electron microscopy, electron backscatter diffraction, atomic force microscopy, and micro-computed tomography. We distinguished five basic microstructures, three calcitic (tabular, irregularly platy, and granular), and two aragonitic (granular-platy and fibrous). The calcitic microstructures consist of crystal aggregates that transition from tabular or irregularly platy to granular assemblies. Fibrous aragonite consists of fibers arranged into spherulites. In all cas

SUBMITTER: Grenier C 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC11358562 | biostudies-literature | 2024 Aug

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature