Apatite genesis: A biologically induced or biologically controlled mineral formation process?

Abstract Apatite formation from organic matter (ribonucleic acid) and calcium carbonate (cuttlebone) requires intervention of microorganisms. We have attempted to characterize this mineral formation process by locating the alkaline phosphatase and the crystals formed. Alkaline phosphatase, which is important for the liberation of the necessary components, was localized in the periplasmic space of Providencia rettgeri in the same manner as in Escherichia coli. Accordingly, the release of inorganic phosphate and the formation of apatite may occur at this site. However, electron microscope observations revealed the presence of extracellular apatite; moreover, apatite particles that were formed with or without bacteria (with alkaline phosphatase from hydrolyzed ribonucleic acid as phosphorus source) were closely similar in size and appearance. The formation of apatite can thus be qualified as biologically induced mineralization. Nevertheless, a bacterial cell can also act as a nucleator for apatite crystallization, but this would appear exceptional.