Biomineralization
Biomineralization
Biomineralization (pronounced: bio-min-er-al-iz-a-tion) is a naturally occurring biological process that involves the deposition or transformation of minerals in an organized manner by living organisms.
Etymology
The term "biomineralization" is derived from the prefix "bio-" meaning life, and "mineralization," which refers to the process of mineral formation.
Definition
Biomineralization is a process that allows living organisms to form inorganic, mineralized structures. These structures can serve various functions, such as support, defense, or feeding. The process involves the interaction of organic and inorganic molecules, leading to the formation of minerals with specific shapes, sizes, and orientations.
Process
The process of biomineralization can be divided into two main types: biologically controlled mineralization and biologically induced mineralization. In biologically controlled mineralization, the organism exerts a high level of control over the mineral's formation, location, and morphology. In contrast, biologically induced mineralization occurs when the organism's activities create conditions that promote mineral formation, but the organism does not directly control the process.
Examples
Examples of biomineralization include the formation of bones and teeth in mammals, shells in mollusks, and exoskeletons in insects and crustaceans. Some microorganisms, such as certain bacteria and algae, can also form mineral structures.
Related Terms
- Biomineral: A mineral that is produced by a living organism.
- Biomineralization process: The process by which living organisms produce minerals.
- Biomineralization mechanism: The mechanism through which the biomineralization process occurs.
- Biomineralization function: The function that the biomineral serves for the organism.
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Biomineralization
- Wikipedia's article - Biomineralization
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