Chemical studies of the internal shell of of the slug, Ariolimax columbianus (gould) with special reference to the organic matrix

Abstract

1. 1. Calcium content of the shell varies with the nutritional conditions. The primary function of this structure may be that of storing calcium. 2. 2. Histochemical and chemical tests reveal that the organic matrix is mostly protein, with small amounts of neutral and acidic mucopolysaccharides and traces of lipids. 3. 3. Hydrolytic products of the matrix include fucose, galactose and glusosamine. 4. 4. Seventeen amino acids are present in the hydrolysates of the matrix. There is less glycine than is usual in molluscan shells and aspartic and glutamic acids are abundant. 5. 5. The slug shell matrix is different from other molluscan shell matrices in its low glycine and high carbohydrate content.