Research report 2017 - Max Planck Institute of Molecular Plant Physiology

The prospects of understanding calcite formation in coccolithophorid algae

Authors
Scheffel, André
Departments
Emmy-Noether-Gruppe Biomineralbildung bei Algen
Summary
Coccolithophores are single-celled marine algae that form intricately-shaped scales made of the mineral calcite. Such complex biominerals are interesting models for bioinspired materials chemistry. Biogenic calcite formation is an important component of the global carbon cycle and exerts major influence on our climate. Understanding calcite biomineralization in coccolithophores has the potential to revolutionize the synthesis of materials for nanotechnology and to improve our predictive models for the future of biogenic calcification, which is relevant for future life on our planet.

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