Ultrastructure of the earthworm calciferous gland. A preliminary study

The earthworm species belonging to the Lumbricidae family (Annelida, Oligochaeta) posses a complex oesophageal organ known as “calciferous gland” which secretes a concentrated suspension of calcium carbonate. Previous studies have demonstrated the non-crystalline structure of this calcareous fluid r...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Microscopy and microanalysis 2009-07, Vol.15 (S3), p.25-26
Main Authors: Méndez, J., Rodríguez, J. B., Álvarez-Otero, R., Briones, M. J. I., Gago-Duport, L.
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Annelida
Calcium carbonate
Cytoplasm
Endoplasmic reticulum
Life Sciences
Lumbricidae
Mitochondria
Oligochaeta
Worms
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Summary:The earthworm species belonging to the Lumbricidae family (Annelida, Oligochaeta) posses a complex oesophageal organ known as “calciferous gland” which secretes a concentrated suspension of calcium carbonate. Previous studies have demonstrated the non-crystalline structure of this calcareous fluid representing an interesting example of biomineralisation.
ISSN:1431-9276
1435-8115
DOI:10.1017/S1431927609990584