The role of protein metal complexes in the mechanics of Mytilus californianus byssal threads

Dissertation, Universität Potsdam, 2015

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1. Verfasser: Schmitt, Clemens Nikolaus Zeno (VerfasserIn)
Körperschaft: Universität Potsdam (Grad-verleihende Institution)
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Sprache:eng
Veröffentlicht: Potsdam 2015
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Zusammenfassung:Dissertation, Universität Potsdam, 2015
Protein-metal coordination complexes are well known as active centers in enzymatic catalysis, and to contribute to signal transduction, gas transport, and to hormone function. Additionally, they are now known to contribute as load-bearing cross-links to the mechanical properties of several biological materials, including the jaws of Nereis worms and the byssal threads of marine mussels. The primary aim of this thesis work is to better understand the role of protein-metal cross-links in the mechanical properties of biological materials, using the mussel byssus as a model system. Specifically, the focus is on histidine-metal cross-links as sacrificial bonds in the fibrous core of the byssal thread (Chapter 4) and L-3,4-dihydroxyphenylalanine (DOPA)-metal bonds in the protective thread cuticle (Chapter 5). Byssal threads are protein fibers, which mussels use to attach to various substrates at the seashore. These relatively stiff fibers have the ability to extend up to about 100 % strain, dissipating large amounts of mechanical energy fr…
Beschreibung:VIII, 93 Seiten
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