Abstract
SummaryAn unsuspected biomineralization process, which produces intracellular inclusions of amorphous calcium carbonate (ACC), was recently discovered in unicellular eukaryotes. These mineral inclusions, called micropearls, can be highly enriched with other alkaline‐earth metals (AEM) such as Sr and Ba. Similar intracellular inclusions of ACC have also been observed in prokaryotic organisms. These comparable biomineralization processes involving phylogenetically distant microorganisms are not entirely understood yet. This review gives a broad vision of the topic in order to establish a basis for discussion on the possible molecular processes behind the formation of the inclusions, their physiological role, the impact of these microorganisms on the geochemical cycles of AEM and their evolutionary relationship. Finally, some insights are provided to guide future research.
Highlights
SummaryAn unsuspected biomineralization process, which produces intracellular inclusions of amorphous calcium carbonate (ACC), was recently discovered in unicellular eukaryotes
Biomineralization is a biologically controlled process by which living organisms form minerals from the selective extraction of certain chemical elements present in theirReceived 19 January, 2021; revised 24 March, 2021; accepted 1 April, 2021. *For correspondence
This review aims to compile the existing information about the intracellular amorphous calcium carbonate (ACC) biomineralization process in microorganisms as a basis for discussion on the molecular mechanisms involved, the biological role of intracellular ACC, the impact of these organisms on the environment and their possible evolutionary relationships
Summary
An unsuspected biomineralization process, which produces intracellular inclusions of amorphous calcium carbonate (ACC), was recently discovered in unicellular eukaryotes. These mineral inclusions, called micropearls, can be highly enriched with other alkaline-earth metals (AEM) such as Sr and Ba. Similar intracellular inclusions of ACC have been observed in prokaryotic organisms. Similar intracellular inclusions of ACC have been observed in prokaryotic organisms These comparable biomineralization processes involving phylogenetically distant microorganisms are not entirely understood yet. This review gives a broad vision of the topic in order to establish a basis for discussion on the possible molecular processes behind the formation of the inclusions, their physiological role, the impact of these microorganisms on the geochemical cycles of AEM and their evolutionary relationship.
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