Molluscan shell evolution with review of shell calcification hypothesis.

Biomineralization research on mollusc shells has mostly focused on nacre formation. Chitin, silk fibroin protein, and acidic macromolecules are important components for shell formation. Although the principle concept behind shell calcification was developed many years ago, the individual components have not been well scrutinized.

Pyrolysis GC/MS and IR spectroscopy in chitin analysis of molluscan shells.

Chitin is an insoluble component in the shells of several molluscan species. It is thought to play important roles, in biomineralization and shell structure. To date, however, reports are scarce and sometimes contradictory, and suffer from methodological problems.