Comparative studies of skeletal soluble matrices from some Scleractinian corals and Molluscs

The soluble organic matrices extracted from aragonitic skeletons of five Sc leractinia and two Molluscs were analyzed using FTIR spectrometry, HPLC and 2-D gel electrophoresis. All these methods show that scleractinian and mol luscan matrices are different. Both matrices are acidic with poorly separat ed molecular weights. The scleractinian matrices are highly glycosylated, w hereas the molluscan matrices are not as shown by stains in 2D-electrophore sis. These results were in accordance with earlier data: high S contents in Scleractinia skeletons and low S contents in Mollusca shells. These result s: confirm the control of the morphology and the chemical composition of ar agonite biocrystals in various taxa. (C) 2001 Elsevier Science B.V. All rig hts reserved.