Editing Gigantopithecus (section)

===Growth===
A ''Gigantopithecus'' permanent third molar, based on an approximate 600–800 days required for the enamel on the [[Cusp (anatomy)|cusp]]s to form (which is quite long), was estimated to have taken four years to form, which is within the range (albeit, far upper range) of what is exhibited in humans and chimpanzees. Like many other fossil apes, the rate of enamel formation near the enamel-dentine junction (dentine is the nerve-filled layer beneath the enamel) was estimated to begin at about 4 μm per day; this is seen in only baby teeth for modern apes.<ref name=Dean2003>{{cite journal|first1=M. C.|last1=Dean|first2=F.|last2=Schrenk|year=2003|title=Enamel thickness and development in a third permanent molar of ''Gigantopithecus blacki''|journal=Journal of Human Evolution|volume=45|issue=5|pages=381–388|doi=10.1016/j.jhevol.2003.08.009|pmid=14624748|bibcode=2003JHumE..45..381D }}</ref>

Protein sequencing of ''Gigantopithecus'' enamel identified [[alpha-2-HS-glycoprotein]] (AHSG), which, in modern apes, is important in bone and dentine mineralisation. Because it was found in enamel, and not dentine, AHSG may have been an additional component in ''Gigantopithecus'' which facilitated [[biomineralisation]] of enamel during prolonged [[amelogenesis]] (enamel growth).<ref name= "Welker2019"/>