What is the function of the periostracum?
INTRODUCTION. The periostracum is the waterproof outermost layer of molluscan shells. This thin, pliable and fibrous layer, composed of quinone-tanned proteins, mucopolysaccharides and lipids, acts as a matrix for the deposition of calcium carbonate crystals and also protects the shell from dissolution. How do you get rid of periostracum? To remove the periostracum, the woven…