Not just scratching the surface: distinct radular motion patterns in Mollusca.
Biol Open
; 9(10)2020 10 21.
Article
en En
| MEDLINE
| ID: mdl-32917764
The radula is the organ for mechanical food processing and an important autapomorphy of Mollusca. Its chitinous membrane, embedding small radular teeth, is moved by the set of muscles resulting in an interaction with the ingesta, tearing it and collecting loosened particles. Radulae and their teeth can be quite distinct in their morphology and had been of high research interest, but only a few studies have examined the basic functional principles of this organ, the movement and motion during feeding action. Here, the radular motion of 20 representative species, belonging to four major gastropod lineages (Vetigastropoda, Neritimorpha, Caenogastropoda and Heterobranchia) and Polyplacophora, were recorded and classified. Comparisons of the video footage with the scanning electron microscope (SEM) images of the radula resulted in the recognition of functional tooth rows and the correct position of the teeth during feeding. We identified six different types of radular movements, including rotations and bending of the radula itself. In each movement type, different structures act as counter bearings enabling the animals to grab and tear food.
Palabras clave
Texto completo:
1
Colección:
01-internacional
Base de datos:
MEDLINE
Asunto principal:
Mariscos
/
Diente
/
Moluscos
/
Movimiento (Física)
Límite:
Animals
Idioma:
En
Revista:
Biol Open
Año:
2020
Tipo del documento:
Article
País de afiliación:
Alemania
Pais de publicación:
Reino Unido