Abstract
The protein, chitin, calcium, and magnesium present in the shells of several species of cirripedes have been determined; the powdered shell material was also examined by differential thermal analysis (DTA). Chthamalus sp., in which lamina of epicuticular matter are present within the shell, show the greatest organic content. When the organic material is separated into its protein and chitin components the latter is present in similar quantities in all species; this reflects a similar quantity of the chitin-protein matrix. Reduction in the protein content of heavily eroded C. depressus seems to be due to the removal of protein by endolithic algae. The Ca Mg ratio increases from extreme hypobiotic to exposed C. depressus. There is a marked correlation between the Ca Mg ratio and the organic content and it is suggested that the magnesium is largely associated with protein rather than with the calcitic lattice. This receives support from the thermal analyses. Small quantities of quartz were detected by X-ray analysis.
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