Characterization of unusual MgCa particles involved in the formation of foraminifera shells using a novel quantitative cryo SEM/EDS protocol

Acta Biomaterialia
Gal Mor KhalifaSteve Weiner

Abstract

Quantifying ion concentrations and mapping their intracellular distributions at high resolution can provide much insight into the formation of biomaterials. The key to achieving this goal is cryo-fixation, where the biological materials, tissues and associated solutions are rapidly frozen and preserved in a vitreous state. We developed a correlative cryo-Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM)/Energy Dispersive Spectroscopy (EDS) protocol that provides quantitative elemental analysis correlated with spatial imaging of cryo-immobilized specimens. We report the accuracy and sensitivity of the cryo-EDS method, as well as insights we derive on biomineralization pathways in a foraminifer. Foraminifera are marine protozoans that produce Mg-containing calcitic shells and are major calcifying organisms in the oceans. We use the cryo-SEM/EDS correlative method to characterize unusual Mg and Ca-rich particles in the cytoplasm of a benthic foraminifer. The Mg/Ca ratio of these particles is consistently lower than that of seawater, the source solution for these ions. We infer that these particles are involved in Ca ion supply to the shell. We document the internal structure of the MgCa particles, which in some cases include a separate Si rich c...Continue Reading

Citations

Dec 16, 2018·Nature Communications·Anat AkivaTali Mass
May 31, 2020·The Journal of Experimental Biology·Melody S Clark
Oct 18, 2020·Science Advances·Santosh KumarAssaf Gal
Nov 25, 2020·Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences of the United States of America·Keren KahilLia Addadi
Aug 20, 2021·Journal of Structural Biology·Neta VarsanoSteve Weiner
Sep 8, 2021·Accounts of Chemical Research·Michael ElbaumPeter Rez
Jul 16, 2019·Acta Biomaterialia·Maayan NederTali Mass

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