ISSN:
1432-0827
Keywords:
X-ray diffraction
;
Hydroxyapatite
;
Whitlockite
;
Fish (Pisces)
;
Bone
Source:
Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
Topics:
Biology
,
Medicine
,
Physics
Notes:
Summary Pyrolyzed scales, fin spines, and bone from the ray-finned bony fishPolypterus (Actinopterygii) showed two mineral phases on X-ray diffraction: hydroxyapatite (HA), Ca5(PO4)3OH, and whitlockite, Ca3(PO4)2. The ratio of HA/whitlockite varied with the structure (scale, spine, bone) within each individual fish. The relative proportions of HA to whitlockite in pyrolyzed samples reflected the Ca/P ratio of the sample. Whitlockite appears after pyrolysis when the Ca/P is lower than 1.67. Among the five fish investigated, for each structure a general trend was noted. The proportion of HA relative to whitlockite increased with size (age) of the fish. Thus the smallest fish, a juvenile, exhibited a low Ca/P mineral in its calcified tissues, whereas the larger fish had progressively more HA and less whitlockite.
Type of Medium:
Electronic Resource
URL:
http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/BF02441216
