Abstract
INTRODUCTIONAlthough the organic material accounts for a very small portion of the eggshell, recent evidence suggests the perterbations in synthesis and secretion of this organic material can severely impair eggshell formation. The organic matter of the eggshell can be divided into at least four distinct fractions based upon chemical, histochemical, and morphological characteristics. These are shell membranes, mammillary cores, shell matrix, and cuticle. This discussion will emphasize the biochemistry of the first three organic constituents of the eggshell.SHELL MEMBRANESThe shell membranes are characterized by having two layers, which have been designated as inner and outer membranes. Figure 1 shows a scanning electron micrograph of the eggshell membranes. This meshwork-like structure is characterized by having fibers arranged in a random fashion. On these fibers are small fiber protuberances, the function of which is unknown at the present time. When the fibers are viewed with the transmission electron microscope, .
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