Aspartic Acid Racemisation
Definition
The slow spontaneous conversion of L-aspartic acid to D-aspartic acid in the non-remodelling enamel protein. Because the rate constant is known and is minimally affected by body temperature, the D/L ratio serves as a molecular clock from the moment enamel formed.
Related terms
- Attrition
- The progressive loss of cases as they move through the criminal justice system: from crime committed, to reported, to recorded, to prosecuted,...
- Cementum Annulation
- The annual ring pairs visible in ground sections of the tooth root cementum, laid down one per year in normal conditions. Counting...
- Kvaal Method
- A non-destructive radiographic method that measures pulp-to-tooth ratios at defined reference points on periapical radiographs to estimate age from secondary dentine deposition....
- Root Transparency
- Translucency of the root dentine advancing from the apex upward, caused by mineralisation of the dentinal tubules. It is one of Gustafson's...
- Secondary Dentine
- Dentine deposited by the odontoblasts throughout adult life inside the pulp chamber, progressively reducing its volume. Visible radiographically as a narrowing of...
Explained in
- Adult Age: Gustafson, Kvaal, Cementum, RacemisationThe slow spontaneous conversion of L-aspartic acid to D-aspartic acid in the non-remodelling enamel protein. Because the rate constant is known and is minimall...