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Article: Protein shells out guidance to crystals.(research indicates protein influences the shape and growth of crystals)(Brief Article)
- Article from:
- Science News
- Article date:
- November 22, 1997
- Author:
CopyrightCOPYRIGHT 1997 Science Service, Inc. This material is published under license from the publisher through the Gale Group, Farmington Hills, Michigan. All inquiries regarding rights should be directed to the Gale Group. (Hide copyright information)
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The glimmering, opalescent beauty of mother-of-pearl arises from the intricate layers of proteins and calcium carbonate crystals laid down as a mollusk generates its shell. The proteins do more than just coexist with the crystals: They influence their shape and guide their direction of growth.
Researchers at Boston University have taken a step toward understanding how proteins issue calcium carbonate crystals their marching orders. Richard A. Laursen and Daniel B. DeOliveira designed a protein that binds to a form of calcium carbonate called calcite. Although calcite usually grows in a rhombohedral, or diamond, shape, the crystals metamorphosed into tall ...