Mussel larvae modify calcifying fluid carbonate chemistry to promote calcification.

ABSTRACT: Understanding mollusk calcification sensitivity to ocean acidification (OA) requires a better knowledge of calcification mechanisms. Especially in rapidly calcifying larval stages, mechanisms of shell formation are largely unexplored-yet these are the most vulnerable life stages. Here we find rapid generation of crystalline shell material in mussel larvae. We find no evidence for intracellular CaCO₃ formation, indicating that mineral formation could be constrained to the calcifying space beneath the shell. Using microelectrodes we show that larvae can increase pH and [CO₃^2-] beneath the growing shell, leading to a ~1.5-fold elevation in calcium carbonate saturation state (Ω_arag). Larvae exposed to OA exhibit a drop in pH, [CO₃^2-</

SUBMITTER: Ramesh K 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC5700083 | biostudies-literature | 2017 Nov

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature