Silicatein

Silicateins are enzymes which catalyse the formation of biosilica from monomeric silicon compounds (such as silicic acid) extracted from the natural environment.

[1] In contrast, diatoms do not use silicateins but rather small specialised peptides called silaffins which attach long chain polyamines (LCPAs) to lysine groups.

It is known for its remarkable ability to extract silicic acid from surrounding seawater, which is then converted into complex 3D silica structures at ambient temperatures underwater, something human engineering capabilities are unable to replicate without the use of high-temperature.

[5] Suberites consist mostly of cells, in contrast with other Porifera (such as the class Hexactinellida, to which the Venus' flower basket belongs) which are syncytial.

[6] The extracellular matrix of siliceous spicules give suberites their structural foundation; these consist of bio-silica, a silicon dioxide polymer.