The Pearl Oyster

Contrary to a generally held view that pearls are found by chance in oysters, almost all are now produced from farms. This book is a comprehensive treatment of all aspects of the biology of pearl oysters, their anatomy, reproduction, genetics, diseases, etc. It considers how they are farmed from spawning and culturing larvae in hatcheries to adults in the ocean; how various environmental factors, including pollution affect them; and how modern techniques are successfully producing large numbers of cultured pearls. This is the ultimate reference source on pearl oysters and the culture of pearls, written and edited by a number of scientists who are world experts in their fields. - Comprehensive treatment of pearl oyster biology and pearl culture - Written by the top world authorities - Highly illustrated and figured - Of practical relevance to a broad readership, from professional biologists to those involved in the practicalities and practice of pearl production

Explains why oysters make pearls and dangerous snakes have diamond-shaped heads.

Originally published during the early part of the twentieth century, the Cambridge Manuals of Science and Literature were designed to provide concise introductions to a broad range of topics. They were written by experts for the general reader and combined a comprehensive approach to knowledge with an emphasis on accessibility. Pearls by W. J. Dakin was first published in 1913. The book presents a biologically-focused summary of the key facts regarding pearls, pearl fishing and pearl formation.

Provides guidance on the management of pearl oyster health and reviews pearl oyster mortalities and disease problems that will be useful for designing programmes aimed at reducing the risks from diseases. Part one consists of pearl oyster health; part two examines pearl oyster health management; part three contains a general review of pearl oyster mortalities and disease problems.

This book presents an overview of our current understanding of the biomineralization mechanisms for shell formation in the pearl oyster Pinctada fucata, based on molecular biology, biochemistry, cell biology, structural biology and environmental biology. Pinctada fucata is the major pearl-producing shellfish in the South China Sea and is also an established model system for the research on the nacre biomineralization mechanism. Extensive studies on nacre biomineralization have provided valuable information for novel bionic material design. Discussing the isolation and gene cloning of the matrix proteins involved in the shell formation, as well as the cell signaling pathways, shell microstructures, and the environmental impacts on shell biomineralization, it is a valuable reference resource for researchers working in the field of nacre biomineralization and biomaterials.