The field of biomineralization is an inspiration for human design across disciplines, e.g. biomimetic materials, environmental and biomedical treatments, etc. Having a coherent understanding of the basic science sets the pillars for these fields that will impact human welfare. Intensive studies lead to great progress in unraveling the molecular mechanism underlying molluscan shell formation, especially in the past three decades. However, some problems remain, and discrepancy exists in varied studies. In this review, we pay attention to some issues which have been overlooked and warranted more in-depth studies, and pointed out that considerations should be seriously taken when looking into the cellular and molecular events in shell formation. We first consider the evolution of shell mineralogy and organic matrix by emphasizing the great impact of sea water chemistry. Secondly, we discussed the recent progress on the shell matrix protein (SMP) characterization and pointed out environmental and physiological conditions should be taken into account when studying the SMP functions. Finally, we highlighted some ambiguous issues in the less studied mineralizing tissues and cells, and the underlying cellular control on shell formation. New researchers in this field should keep in mind that early geochemistry in vitro research has mostly failed to address the in vivo context of biomineralization in cells and tissues. Therefore, the more biologically relevant experiments are still needed for future research.

生物矿化领域是跨学科人类设计的灵感来源，例如仿生材料、环境和生物医学治疗等。对基础科学有一致的理解为这些领域奠定了支柱，这些领域将影响人类福祉。深入的研究在揭示软体动物壳形成的分子机制方面取得了巨大进展，尤其是在过去的三个十年中。然而，一些问题仍然存在，并且在不同的研究中存在差异。在这篇综述中，我们关注了一些被忽视和需要更深入研究的问题，并指出在研究壳形成过程中的细胞和分子事件时应认真考虑。我们首先通过强调海水化学的巨大影响来考虑壳矿物学和有机基质的演变。其次，我们讨论了壳基质蛋白（SMP）表征的最新进展，并指出在研究SMP功能时应考虑环境和生理条件。最后，我们强调了研究较少的矿化组织和细胞中的一些模棱两可的问题，以及对壳形成的潜在细胞控制。该领域的新研究人员应牢记早期地球化学 我们强调了研究较少的矿化组织和细胞中的一些模棱两可的问题，以及对壳形成的潜在细胞控制。该领域的新研究人员应牢记早期地球化学 我们强调了研究较少的矿化组织和细胞中的一些模棱两可的问题，以及对壳形成的潜在细胞控制。该领域的新研究人员应牢记早期地球化学体外研究大多未能解决体内细胞和组织中生物矿化的背景。因此，未来的研究仍需要更多的生物学相关实验。