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Zinc phosphate granules in tissue surrounding the midgut of the barnacle Balanus balanoides

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Abstract

The chemical composition of inorganic granules found in parenchyma cells surrounding the midgut of adult Balanus balanoides (L.) was determined. X-ray microanalysis indicated the presence of magnesium, phosphorus, potassium, calcium, iron and zinc in the granules. A quantitative analysis of granule-rich pellets isolated from the midguts of adult barnacles showed that the granules were composed mainly of zinc phosphate, the remaining elements being minor constituents only.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. N.E.R.C. Unit of Marine Invertebrate Biology, Marine Science Laboratories, Menai Bridge, Anglesey, UK

    G. Walker, P. S. Rainbow & D. L. Holland

  2. Department of Physical Oceanography, Marine Science Laboratories, Menai Bridge, Anglesey, UK

    P. Foster

Authors
  1. G. Walker
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  2. P. S. Rainbow
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  3. P. Foster
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  4. D. L. Holland
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Communicated by J.H.S. Blaxter, Oban

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Walker, G., Rainbow, P.S., Foster, P. et al. Zinc phosphate granules in tissue surrounding the midgut of the barnacle Balanus balanoides . Marine Biology 33, 161–166 (1975). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00390721

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00390721

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