Ron oxide biomineralization in the radula teeth of the limpet Patella vulgata ; Mössbauer spectroscopy and high resolution transmission electron microscopy studies

Abstract

Iron oxide biomineralization in the radula teeth of the common limpet ( Patella vulgata ) has been studied by Mössbauer spectroscopy and high resolution transmission electron microscopy. The results indicate that the teeth comprise two iron-containing phases: (i) a superparamagnetic, microcrystalline and poorly ordered goethite-like component located essentially within the tooth bases; and (ii) stoichiometric well-ordered goethite crystals of acicular morphology sited within the tooth cusps. The goethite crystals are initially deposited in the form of long thin fibrous single crystals elongated along the [001] direction and with extensive irregularities in crystal thickness. Mature crystals often show morphological distortions that are not associated with localized structural imperfections or domain boundaries. The implications of these results in terms of tooth development are discussed.