Resistance of a Protein-Montmorillonite Complex to Decomposition by Soil Microorganisms

The decomposition of starch grains in soils: implications for archaeological residue analyses

“…[41,48,90,168]; see also [180]), and evidence suggests they can play a role in the prevention of starch decomposition as well. Two processes working in conjunction have been suggested as means of clay influence on organic matter survival: (1) inactivation of enzymes by clays, and (2) adsorption of the substrate by clay minerals and subsequent protection from degradation [130,147].…”

Soll organic matter and nitrogen contents of saga polder rice fields: Changes with depth and time

“…The undecomposable soil N fraction detected in the present study consists presumably of sorbed organic N compounds of elay minerals which exert a considerable effect on the availability of soil N. It is well-established that the formation of proteinmontmorillonite complexes highly resistant to decomposition by soil microorganisms is possible (8,30). CHENG et al (8) indicated that soils and sediments released more amino acids if silicates were destroyed with HF prior to 24 hr hydrolysis with HCl.…”

Detection of Peptidic Sequences in the Ancient Acidic Sediments of Río Tinto, Spain

“…It has been reported that some amino acids and peptides could be isolated from ancient shells and bones, but changes occurred with time (Abelson 1954). In fact, it has also been suggested, that the association of protein with minerals may delay the decay (Pinck andAllison 1951, Waggoner 2002).…”