Biomineralization
A.Y. 2023/2024
Learning objectives
The course aims to provide knowledge on the origin and evolution of the processes of biomineralization. The students will be taught the microstructures of the biominerals that form the exoskeletons of the main invertebrate groups and their fossil record. The relationships between these processes and the climatic and geodynamic evolution of our planet will also be analyzed.
Expected learning outcomes
The student will be able to analyze and identify the microstructures of the skeletal parts of the main invertebrate groups. He will also be able to understand the mechanisms of evolution of the biomineralization processes and their relations with the chemical-physical environment and the biotic components.
Lesson period: Second semester
Assessment methods: Esame
Assessment result: voto verbalizzato in trentesimi
Single course
This course can be attended as a single course.
Course syllabus and organization
Single session
Responsible
Lesson period
Second semester
Course syllabus
BIOMINERALIZATION is the mineralization process that is performed by organisms to produce hybrid composites of organic components and minerals. The resulting biocomposite is a low-cost material with exceptional properties.
Origin and evolution of biomineralizazion. The Cambrian explosion.
Types of biominerals and organisms that produce them.
Functions and properties of biominerals.
Models of biomineralizations. Biologically induced biomineralizations. Biologically controlled biomineralization.
Biomineralization in bacteria.
Biomineralization in protists.
Biomineralization in corals.
Biomineralization in brachiopods.
Biomineralization in mollusks.
Biomineralization in echinoderms.
Hints of biomineralization in vertebrates.
Origin and evolution of biomineralizazion. The Cambrian explosion.
Types of biominerals and organisms that produce them.
Functions and properties of biominerals.
Models of biomineralizations. Biologically induced biomineralizations. Biologically controlled biomineralization.
Biomineralization in bacteria.
Biomineralization in protists.
Biomineralization in corals.
Biomineralization in brachiopods.
Biomineralization in mollusks.
Biomineralization in echinoderms.
Hints of biomineralization in vertebrates.
Prerequisites for admission
Fundaments of palaeontology
Teaching methods
Lessons
Teaching Resources
Biomineralization Cell biology and Mineral Deposition
Simkiss & Wilbur 1989
Biomineralization Principles and Concepts in bioinorganic Materials
Mann 2001
Biomineralization
Reviews in Mineralogy and Geochemistry, v. 54
Dove, De Yoreo & Wiener 2003
Biominerals and Fossils Through Time
Cuif, Dauphin & Sorauf 2011
Slides on Ariel
Simkiss & Wilbur 1989
Biomineralization Principles and Concepts in bioinorganic Materials
Mann 2001
Biomineralization
Reviews in Mineralogy and Geochemistry, v. 54
Dove, De Yoreo & Wiener 2003
Biominerals and Fossils Through Time
Cuif, Dauphin & Sorauf 2011
Slides on Ariel
Assessment methods and Criteria
Written text with open questions.
Evaluation parameters: understanding, correctness, appropriateness of the
language, ability to apply the acquired knowledge on biomineralization.
Type of evaluation: mark out of thirty.
Results will be available on SIFA.
Evaluation parameters: understanding, correctness, appropriateness of the
language, ability to apply the acquired knowledge on biomineralization.
Type of evaluation: mark out of thirty.
Results will be available on SIFA.
GEO/01 - PALEONTOLOGY AND PALEOECOLOGY - University credits: 6
Practicals with elements of theory: 12 hours
Lessons: 40 hours
Lessons: 40 hours
Professors:
Angiolini Lucia, Crippa Gaia
Professor(s)
Reception:
Monday 14.30
Department of Earth Sciences "Ardito Desio" or by email.