0000000000131228
AUTHOR
Morgane Oudot
Biominéralisation chez les Céphalopodes (Mollusca) : processus moléculaires et évolution
Molluscs constitute one of the most diversified phyla within metazoans, known for their ability to mineralize a shell. The shell biomineralization is a genetically controlled process that is performed extracellularly via a calcifying organic matrix. This latter, which remains finally occluded (at least, partially) into the shell, is a mixture of proteins, glycoproteins, lipids and polysaccharides, that are collectively secreted by the external calcifying epithelium of the mantle. Today, the shell matrix is usually considered as the ‘molecular toolbox’ for constructing the shell. Since its discovery, it has been the focus of numerous studies, but mainly on bivalves and gastropods leaving cep…
The shell matrix and microstructure of the Ram's Horn squid: Molecular and structural characterization.
20 pages; International audience; Molluscs are one of the most diversified phyla among metazoans. Most of them produce an external calcified shell, resulting from the secretory activity of a specialized epithelium of the calcifying mantle. This biomineralization process is controlled by a set of extracellular macromolecules, the organic matrix. In spite of several studies, these components are mainly known for bivalves and gastropods. In the present study, we investigated the physical and biochemical properties of the internal planispiral shell of the Ram's Horn squid Spirula spirula. Scanning Electron Microscope investigations of the shell reveal a complex microstructural organization. The…
Trilobites from the Red Fauna (latest Emsian, Devonian) of Hamar Laghdad, Morocco and their biodiversity
36 pages; International audience; Trilobites are widespread in Early Devonian deposits of north Gondwana; some of the most emblematic ones were collected from the famous latest Emsian (Early Devonian) mudmound locality Hamar Laghdad in south-eastern Morocco. This locality is famous for its trilobites, especially for the conspicuous red-coloured remains of phacopid trilobites with often greenish eyes. Here, we present a taxonomic revision of the previously described trilobites from the so-called Red Fauna of Hamar Laghdad. We introduce the new taxa Harpes hamarlaghdadensis n. sp. and Morocops davidbrutoni n. sp. Phacopids dominate the trilobite assemblage from the Red Cliff at Hamar Laghdad …