Open or closed: pH modulation and calcification by foraminifera

Abstract

мarine calcifying organisms precipitate their shells either in equilibrium with seawater or under strict biological control. Here, we show that these two options represent two ends of a spectrum. In species with a more “closed” system, rates of H+ removal and Ca2+ uptake are high and exceed the amount of ions required for calcification. This explains the relatively low мg/Ca of the calcite of this species by dilution of the [мg2+] in the calcifying fluid. Conversely, in species with a more open system, the H+ and Ca2+ fluxes are lower, with more seawater exchanged between the environment and calcifying fluid, explaining the relatively high мg/Ca in these foraminifera. In either of these species, mitochondria were found to be located at the site where the Ca2+/H+ exchange takes place and the mitochondrial density aligned with the rate of pumping. These findings highlight the crucial role of transmembrane transporters and mitochondria in foraminifera calcification and explain the species-specific elemental signatures.