Understanding process and role of biomineralization (minerals formed by living organisms) in
context of Earth's evolution,global chemical cycles, climatic changes, remediation and as inspiration for new
materials.
Biomineralization refers to the processes by which organisms form minerals. It is therefore, by definition, a
highly multidisciplinary field that spans both the inorganic and the organic world. The phenomenon of
biomineralization is relevant to the Earth, Environmental and Life Sciences on practically all length scales. From
the immense scale of reef-systems and global ocean life-cycles to small bacterial communities, the impact of
biomineralization spans length scales of at least 12 orders of magnitude and a large fraction of geological
time! But despite the global environmental impact of biomineralization and its fundamental scientific
importance, there is still no consensus about the basic biological mechanisms involved.
This class aims at giving the student an insight into the study of fundamental biological processes that shape
biominerals and determine their chemical and isotopic composition. The physiology of biomineralization,
matrix-mediated control of biominerals, cell-biomineralization interface will be discussed for a number of
organisms, including bacteria, corals, foraminifera and sponges.
The occurrence of biominerals in the geologic record and their use as paleo-climate recorders will be discussed
together with biomineralization induced by bacteria, with important implications for mineral ore formation and
remediation of contaminated sites.
- Professor: Anders Meibom
- Teacher: Arthur Adams
