The Largest Bio-Silica Structure on Earth: The Giant Basal Spicule from the Deep-Sea Glass Sponge Monorhaphis chuni
Figure 6
LA-ICP-MS and spectral light analyses. (a) Element concentrations (μg/g) within the Monorhaphis spicule “Q-B”; the elements are arranged according to their abundance. Note the logarithmic scale of the abscissa. (b) Pie diagram, showing the abundance of SiO2, protein, and water, in comparison to the low portion of trace elements (sector part), including Na- and Ca-oxides, and further trace components. (c) A comparative diagram showing the distribution of these elements in seawater; there, Si exists as a trace element, as seen in the sector piece, whereas Cl, Na, Mg, and Ca are abundant. (d) Refraction of polarized light by spicules from the hexactinellid M. chuni [18]. Spectral light pattern of a cross-sectioned GBS (above) and a stauractine spicule (below) after illumination with two crossed nicol prisms. (e) Electron microprobe analysis of a GBS. The maps for the elements K, Ca, Fe, and Mn are shown.
