Calcification in biological systems

Calcification in Biological Systems provides a collection of up-to-date papers regarding calcification in a variety of biological systems. The papers are not simple reviews of the literature. Each paper reflects the personal experience of the author(s) and is rich in constructive criticism and suggestions. Topics range from basic molecular processes to general structural problems in systems as different as unicellular organisms and human skeletal tissues. Because calcification is so diffuse in the animal kingdom, this book makes no attempt to achieve a conclusive synthesis of available results and current ideas. Instead, its merit lies in its ability to be useful to investigators with different scientific backgrounds and areas of interest.

Dynamics of calcium phosphate precipitation / E.D. Eanes -- Role of collagen fibrils in calcification / E. Bonucci -- Role of proteoglycans in calcification / N. Shepard -- Role of lipids in osteogenesis: cell signaling and matrix calcification / R. Dziak -- Role of matrix vesicles in calcification / J. Sela [and others] -- Cell-mediated calcification in vitro / P. Gehron Robey -- Mechanisms of microbial mineralization / B.D. Boyan, L.D. Swain, and M.M. Everett -- Calcification of spicules in the sea urchin embryo / S.C. Benson and F.H. Wilt -- Mechanisms of molluscan shell formation / A.P. Wheeler -- Structure and calcification of epiphyseal growth cartilage / B. Engfeldt and F.P. Reinholt -- Structure and mineralization of bone / P. Bianco -- Structure and calcification of dentin / A. Linde -- Development and calcification of enamel / A. Nanci and C.E. Smith -- Structure and development of calcific urinary stones / S.R. Khan -- Ectopic calcifications / G. Daculsi [and others].