... character-ized by means of MALDI-MS [38,39] performed in a Finnigan MAT mass spectrometer 8230 (Midland; Canada). In a control assay, the reaction was performed in the absence of silicatein.Esterase ... molecules in an organized, fractal manner [33,34]; the fractal pat-tern probably dictates the initial shape of the spicules[34]. The finding that silicatein catalyzes two reactions,acting as silica ... domuncula (Porifera,Demospongiae, Hadromerida) were collected in the North-ern Adriatic near Rovinj (Croatia), and then kept in aquaria in Mainz (Germany) at a temperature of 17 °C for more than5...