Magnetite - Biological Occurrences

Biological Occurrences

Biomagnetism is usually related to the presence of crystals of magnetite, which occurs widely in organisms. These organisms range from bacteria (e.g., Magnetospirillum magnetotacticum) to several animals, where these crystals are found in the brain. These crystals are thought to be involved in magnetoreception, the ability to sense the polarity or the inclination of the Earth's magnetic field, and to be aid in navigation.

Unique among animals, chitons have teeth made of magnetite on their radula.

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