Quantitative microstructural studies of the armor of the marine threespine stickleback (Gasterosteus aculeatus)

Juha Song, Steffen Reichert, Ilan Kallai, Dan Gazit, Matthew Wund, Mary C. Boyce, Christine Ortiz*

*Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

85 Scopus citations

Abstract

In this study, a quantitative investigation of the microstructure and composition of field-caught marine Gasterosteus aculeatus (threespine stickleback) armor is presented, which provides useful phylogenetic information and insights into biomechanical function. Micro-computed tomography (μCT) was employed to create full three-dimensional images of the dorsal spines and basal plate, lateral plates, pelvic girdle and spines and to assess structural and compositional properties such as the spatial distribution of thickness (∼100-300μm), the heterogeneous cross-sectional geometry (centrally thickened), plate-to-plate juncture and overlap (∼50% of the plate width), and bone mineral density (634-748HA/cm3). The convolution of plate geometry in conjunction with plate-to-plate overlap allows a relatively constant armor thickness to be maintained throughout the assembly, promoting spatially homogeneous protection and thereby avoiding weakness at the armor unit interconnections. Plate-to-plate junctures act to register and join the plates while permitting compliance in sliding and rotation in selected directions. Mercury porosimetry was used to determine the pore size distribution and volume percent porosity of the lateral plates (20-35vol.%) and spines (10-15vol.%). SEM and μCT revealed a porous, sandwich-like cross-section beneficial for bending stiffness and strength at minimum weight. Back-scattered electron microscopy and energy dispersive X-ray analysis were utilized to quantify the weight percent mineral content (58-68%). Scanning electron microscopy and surface profilometry were used to characterize the interior and exterior surface topography (tubercles) of the lateral plates. The results obtained in this study are discussed in the context of mechanical function, performance, fitness, and survivability.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)318-331
Number of pages14
JournalJournal of Structural Biology
Volume171
Issue number3
DOIs
StatePublished - Sep 2010

Keywords

  • Armored fish
  • Biomineralization
  • Exoskeleton
  • Micro-computed tomography
  • Natural armor
  • Stickleback

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