Carnivores' Teeth: Inorganic Materials in Action

Chemical Education

Authors

  • Catherine E. Housecroft Department of Chemistry, University of Basel, BPR 1096, Mattenstrasse 24a, CH-4058 Basel;, Email: catherine.housecroft@unibas.ch

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.2533/chimia.2018.650

Keywords:

Apatite, Carbonate apatite, Carnivores, Chemical education, Enamel, Teeth

Abstract

The replacement of hydroxy or phosphate ions in the naturally occurring inorganic material hydroxyapatite by carbonate ions leads to the properties of dental enamel and dentine that allow carnivores to cope with the stresses and forces involved in devouring their prey.

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Published

2018-09-01