"Biomineralization, also written biomineralisation, is the process by which living organisms produce minerals, often resulting in hardened or stiffened mineralized tissues."
The process by which living organisms produce minerals.
"It is an extremely widespread phenomenon: all six taxonomic kingdoms contain members that are able to form minerals."
"Over 60 different minerals have been identified in organisms."
"Examples include silicates in algae and diatoms, carbonates in invertebrates, and calcium phosphates and carbonates in vertebrates."
"Organisms have been producing mineralized skeletons for the past 550 million years."
"Silica organisms (sponges, diatoms...) are always non-crystalline minerals."
"Yes, other examples include copper, iron, and gold deposits involving bacteria."
"Biologically formed minerals often have special uses such as magnetic sensors in magnetotactic bacteria (Fe3O4), gravity-sensing devices (CaCO3, CaSO4, BaSO4), and iron storage and mobilization (Fe2O3•H2O in the protein ferritin)."
"In terms of taxonomic distribution, the most common biominerals are the phosphate and carbonate salts of calcium."
"The phosphate and carbonate salts of calcium are used in conjunction with organic polymers such as collagen and chitin."
"Biominerals give structural support to bones and shells."
"The structures of these biocomposite materials are highly controlled from the nanometer to the macroscopic level."
"Complex architectures provide multifunctional properties."
"Because this range of control over mineral growth is desirable for materials engineering applications, there is interest in understanding and elucidating the mechanisms of biologically-controlled biomineralization."