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Investigations on the cuticle of the polychaete elytra using energy dispersive X-ray analysis

Helgoländer Meeresuntersuchungen volume 34, pages 439–450 (1981)Cite this article

Abstract

Energy dispersive X-ray analysis of elements with Z>11 in a SEM (scanning electron microscope) was used to investigate the elytra ofLagisca extenuata, Lepidonotus clava, andHarmothoe areolata from Naples (Italy) and Banyuls (France). High concentrations of halogens and a few other elements were found in certain papillae in samples from both locations. Additional TEM-examinations and X-ray analysis of thin sections revealed that the halogen concentration is inversely related to the collagen content of the matrix. The halogens are presumably bound to tyrosines, which occur in these structures. In addition, accumulation of Mn2+ and possibly Fe3+ in the papillae might depend on environmental conditions. The results show that valuable information about the chemical composition of biological structures can be obtained by energy dispersive X-ray analysis. Moreover, the results indicate that this method may be useful for environmental investigations.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Zoologisches Institut und Zoologisches Museum, Universität Hamburg, Martin-Luther-King-Platz 3, D-2000, Hamburg 13, Germany

    Friederike Anton-Erxleben

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  1. Friederike Anton-Erxleben
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Additional information

This work is part of a doctoral thesis, written at the Zoological Institute of the University at Hamburg.

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Anton-Erxleben, F. Investigations on the cuticle of the polychaete elytra using energy dispersive X-ray analysis. Helgolander Meeresunters 34, 439–450 (1981). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF01995916

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF01995916

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Helgoland Marine Research

ISSN: 1438-3888

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