The mineral component of the axis and holdfast of some gorgonacean octocorals (Coelenterata: Anthozoa), with special reference to the family Gorgoniidae
Bayer, F.M.; MacIntyre, I.G. (2001). The mineral component of the axis and holdfast of some gorgonacean octocorals (Coelenterata: Anthozoa), with special reference to the family Gorgoniidae. Proc. Biol. Soc. Wash. 114(1): 309-345
In: Proceedings of the Biological Society of Washington. Biological Society of Washington: Washington. ISSN 0006-324X; e-ISSN 1943-6327, more
|   |
| Keywords |
Alcyonacea [WoRMS]
Marine/Coastal |
| Authors | | Top |
- Bayer, F.M.
- MacIntyre, I.G.
|
|
|
| Abstract |
This is the first detailed investigation of the mineral component of axes and holdfasts of Gorgonacea, including 58 species belonging to 5 families and 21 genera of Holaxonia and 4 families and 13 genera of Calcaxonia. X-ray diffraction, electron probe, and scanning electron microscope analyses indicated that aragonite or Mg-calcite occurred in most axes and holdfasts of 6 families. In marked contrast, amorphous carbonate hydroxylapatite occurred solely in the family Gorgoniidae, which in some species also had Mg-calcite or aragonite in holdfasts. These skeletal minerals appear to be taxonomically controlled. The distinctive morphology of carbonate hydroxylapatite in Gorgoniidae is illustrated by scanning electron micrographs. |
|
