Editing Seashell (section)

== Shell synthesis ==
Seashells are created by the [[Mollusca|mollusc]]s that use them for protection.<ref name="whoi">{{Cite web |title=How are seashells made? |url=https://www.whoi.edu/know-your-ocean/did-you-know/how-are-seashells-made/ |publisher=Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution |date=2022 |accessdate=21 March 2022 |archive-date=20 March 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220320212038/https://www.whoi.edu/know-your-ocean/did-you-know/how-are-seashells-made/ |url-status=live }}</ref> Molluscs have an outside layer of tissues on their bodies {{ndash}} the [[mantle (mollusc)|mantle]] {{ndash}} which creates the shell material and which connects the shell to the mollusc. The specialized cells in the mantle form the shell using different [[Mineral (nutrient)|minerals]] and [[protein]]s.<ref name=whoi/> The proteins are then used to create the framework that supports the growing shell. [[Calcium carbonate]] is the main compound of shell structure, aiding in [[adhesion]].<ref name=whoi/>