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Minerals in the pre-settled coral Stylophora pistillata crystallize via protein and ion changes

Author

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  • Anat Akiva

    (Weizmann Institute of Science
    Eindhoven University of Technology)

  • Maayan Neder

    (The Leon H. Charney School of Marine Sciences, University of Haifa
    The Interuniversity Institute of Marine Science)

  • Keren Kahil

    (Weizmann Institute of Science)

  • Rotem Gavriel

    (Bar-Ilan University)

  • Iddo Pinkas

    (Weizmann Institute of Science)

  • Gil Goobes

    (Bar-Ilan University)

  • Tali Mass

    (The Leon H. Charney School of Marine Sciences, University of Haifa)

Abstract

Aragonite skeletons in corals are key contributors to the storage of atmospheric CO2 worldwide. Hence, understanding coral biomineralization/calcification processes is crucial for evaluating and predicting the effect of environmental factors on this process. While coral biomineralization studies have focused on adult corals, the exact stage at which corals initiate mineralization remains enigmatic. Here, we show that minerals are first precipitated as amorphous calcium carbonate and small aragonite crystallites, in the pre-settled larva, which then evolve into the more mature aragonitic fibers characteristic of the stony coral skeleton. The process is accompanied by modulation of proteins and ions within these minerals. These findings may indicate an underlying bimodal regulation tactic adopted by the animal, with important ramification to its resilience or vulnerability toward a changing environment.

Suggested Citation

  • Anat Akiva & Maayan Neder & Keren Kahil & Rotem Gavriel & Iddo Pinkas & Gil Goobes & Tali Mass, 2018. "Minerals in the pre-settled coral Stylophora pistillata crystallize via protein and ion changes," Nature Communications, Nature, vol. 9(1), pages 1-9, December.
    • Handle: RePEc:nat:natcom:v:9:y:2018:i:1:d:10.1038_s41467-018-04285-7
    DOI: 10.1038/s41467-018-04285-7
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