Dataset Information

Trace-Element Incorporation into Intracellular Pools Uncovers Calcium-Pathways in a Coccolithophore.

ABSTRACT: Many organisms form minerals from precursor phases that crystallize under strict biological control. The dynamic intracellular processes of formation, transport, and deposition of these precursor phases are challenging to identify. An unusual situation is recently revealed for the calcifying alga Emiliania huxleyi, as the cells contain a compartment filled with a concentrated Ca and P phase but the final calcite crystals, which are nucleated in a different compartment, are P-free. Thus, the connection of the Ca-P-rich pool to the mineralization process remains unclear. Here, pulse-chase experiments are used with Sr to label the Ca-P-rich phase in E. huxleyi cells, and cryo X-ray absorption spectroscopy and analytical transmission electron microscopy to follow the Sr within cells. It is found that Sr is first found in the Ca-P-rich phase and then becomes incorporated into the calcite. This demonstrates that the calcium used by the cells to build calcite originates from the Ca-P-rich pool.

SUBMITTER: Gal A

PROVIDER: S-EPMC5644232 | biostudies-literature | 2017 Oct

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature

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Trace-Element Incorporation into Intracellular Pools Uncovers Calcium-Pathways in a Coccolithophore.

Gal Assaf A Sviben Sanja S Wirth Richard R Schreiber Anja A Lassalle-Kaiser Benedikt B Faivre Damien D Scheffel André A

Advanced science (Weinheim, Baden-Wurttemberg, Germany) 20170705 10

Many organisms form minerals from precursor phases that crystallize under strict biological control. The dynamic intracellular processes of formation, transport, and deposition of these precursor phases are challenging to identify. An unusual situation is recently revealed for the calcifying alga <i>Emiliania huxleyi</i>, as the cells contain a compartment filled with a concentrated Ca and P phase but the final calcite crystals, which are nucleated in a different compartment, are P-free. Thus, t ...[more]

PMID: 29051853

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Project description:Toxic trace element exposure occurs through release of the ubiquitous and naturally occurring elements arsenic (As), cadmium (Cd), lead (Pb), and mercury (Hg). The unique environmental conditions of the wetland ecosystems along the southeastern Atlantic coast of the United States lead to the accumulation of Hg which is greater than in most other ecosystems in the country. There are also point sources of As, Cd, and Pb in this region. To effectively monitor trace element concentrations, and consequently the potential human exposure, accessible local sentinel species are needed. In this study, concentrations of As, Cd, Pb, Hg and six other trace elements (Al, Ni, Cu, Zn, Se, Mo) were examined in American alligators (Alligator mississippiensis) from seven wetland sites in South Carolina and Florida and assessed for their utility as a sentinel species for human trace element exposure. Alligators were chosen as a potential sentinel as they share a common exposure with the local human population through their aquatic diet, and they are directly consumed commercially and through recreation hunting in this region. Sex was significantly related to the concentration of Zn, Mo, and Al, but not As, Pb, Hg, Cd, Se, or Cu. Site specific differences in element concentrations were observed for As, Pb, Hg, Cd, Se, Zn, and Mo. Size/age was significantly related to the element Hg and Pb concentrations observed. The observed concentration ranges for the four toxic elements, As (6-156 ng/g), Cd (0.3-1.3 ng/g), Pb (3-4872 ng/g), and Hg (39-2765 ng/g), were comparable to those previously reported in diverse human populations. In this region alligators are hunted recreationally and consumed by the local community, making them a vehicle of direct human toxic element exposure. We propose that the similarity in As, Cd, Pb, and Hg concentrations between alligators observed in this study and humans underscores how alligators can serve as a useful sentinel species for toxic element exposure.

Dataset Information

Trace-Element Incorporation into Intracellular Pools Uncovers Calcium-Pathways in a Coccolithophore.

Publications

Trace-Element Incorporation into Intracellular Pools Uncovers Calcium-Pathways in a Coccolithophore.

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