Naked Science Forum
Life Sciences => Plant Sciences, Zoology & Evolution => Topic started by: paul.fr on 09/06/2007 22:50:38
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how do oysters produce pearls, and for what purpose?
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i don't know what the substance is, but they form the pearl around, essentially, a piece of dirt or something that floats into the oyster. they do it to make the dirt or whatever smooth so that it doesn't scratch them.
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i knew something!!
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I think it's calcium carbonate that is also used in the lining of the shell and is called Nacre, or more commonly known as "mother of pearl".
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i don't know what the substance is, but they form the pearl around, essentially, a piece of dirt or something that floats into the oyster. they do it to make the dirt or whatever smooth so that it doesn't scratch them.
So... Are pearls analogous to oyster boogers?