ABSTRACT
In assessing the role of the intracrystalline proteins from Terebratulina retusa in biomineralisation, results indicate that with a number of known protein species, there are previously unidentified, low molecular weight protein species (<10kDa). Using Stains All, a cationic carbocyanine dye which specifically stains acidic and/or calcium binding proteins blue and all other proteins red, pink or not at, has revealed that three of the main protein species stain blue (positive), suggesting that these proteins possess a calcium binding function. Data from hplc profiles indicate the acidic rather than hydrophobic nature of these proteins.
