The aim of this study was to compare the structure and chemistry of the dwelling tubes of 2 invertebrate species living close to deep sea hydrothermal vents at 12"48'N, 103'56'W and 2600 m depth and collected during April 1984. The Riftia pachyptila tube is formed of a chitin proteoglycan/ protein complex whereas the Alvinella pompejana tube is made from an unusually stable glycoprotein matrix containing a high level of elemental sulfur. The A. pompejana tube is physically and chemically more stable and encloses bacteria within the tube wall material.
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Gaill et al. (1986) studied this question.
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