Abstract
The structures of the two types of nacreous layers previously described in cephalopod shells were studied with AFM (atomic force microscopy). The comparison of these results with those of SEM (scanning electron microscopy) and TEM (transmission electron microscopy) studies shows similarities and differences. Nacreous lamellae are composed of fibrillar crystallites, but these crystallites may not be composed of smaller elongated and parallel crystallites. Fibrillar crystallites seem to be composed of randomly orientated granules (40 – 50 nm diameter). There is every reason to believe that more diverse studies allow us to precise the structure of these granules. Nevertheless, we need a better knowledge of the organic matrices of these shells.
Résumé
Les structures des deux types de nacre décrits dans les tests des Céphalopodes ont été analysées à l’AFM ou atomic force microscopy. La comparaison des résultats avec les études au MEB (microscope électronique à balayage) et MET (microscope électronique à transmission) montrent certaines similitudes, mais aussi des différences avec les descriptions antérieures. Les lamelles de nacre sont composées de baguettes ou fibres, elles-mêmes constituées de granules de 40–50 nm de diamètre. Ces derniers ne sont pas régulièrement alignés, mais disposés en épis. L’homogénéité ou l’hétérogénéité de ces granules ne pourra être observée qu’avec des préparations plus élaborées en fonction d’une meilleure connaissance des phases organiques.
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Dauphin, Y. Nanostructures de la nacre des tests de céphalopodes actuels. Paläontol Z 75, 113–122 (2001). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF03022601
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF03022601