Mussel mooring made mighty by metals
Mussels produce an exceptional proteinaceous adhesive so they can withstand waves and currents. Metal ions bound to modified tyrosine residues play an important role in reinforcing the adhesive. Priemel
et al
. brought together a variety of spectroscopy and microscopy techniques to study the cellular mechanisms involved in adhesive fabrication in mussels (see the Perspective by Wilker). They found that metal ion–rich vesicles are secreted alongside vesicles containing the adhesive protein and mix in a microfluidic-like process within interconnected microchannels found in the lateral duct of the mussel foot to create porous, adhesive plaque filaments. —MAF
Coccoliths are calcitic particles produced inside the cells of unicellular marine
algae known as coccolithophores. They are abundant components of sea-floor
carbonates, and the stoichiometry of calcium to other elements in fossil coccoliths
is widely used to infer past environmental conditions. Here we study cryo-preserved
cells of the dominant coccolithophore Emiliania huxleyi using
state-of-the-art nanoscale imaging and spectroscopy. We identify a compartment,
distinct from the coccolith-producing compartment, filled with high concentrations
of a disordered form of calcium. Co-localized with calcium are high concentrations
of phosphorus and minor concentrations of other cations. The amounts of calcium
stored in this reservoir seem to be dynamic and at a certain stage the compartment
is in direct contact with the coccolith-producing vesicle, suggesting an active role
in coccolith formation. Our findings provide insights into calcium accumulation in
this important calcifying organism.
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