In paleontology, a developmental cell or tissue layer that gives rise to ganoine (a shiny enamel-like substance) on fish scales.
From Greek ganos (brightness, lustre) plus -blast (from blastos meaning sprout or bud). The term was coined by paleontologists studying the development of ancient fish scales and their unique enamel covering.
Ancient fish like coelacanths created their shimmering scales using ganoblast cells that haven't changed much in 400 million years—it's one of nature's oldest beauty recipes, and modern scientists are studying it to create better waterproof coatings.
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