Magnesium inhibition of apatite nucleation by proteolipid.

The effect of magnesium on apatite nucleation by Bacterionema matruchotii proteolipid was determined. The ion, in metastable calcium phosphate solution at a concentration that did not reduce proteolipid calcium binding, prevented apatite crystallization. The data were compared with those involving magnesium and homogenous nucleation of apatite in vitro.