Phosphate biomineralization of cambrian microorganisms

David S. McKay; Alexei Yu. Rozanov; Richard B. Hoover; Frances Westall

doi:10.1117/12.319834

6 July 1998 Phosphate biomineralization of cambrian microorganisms

David S. McKay, Alexei Yu. Rozanov, Richard B. Hoover, Frances Westall

Proceedings Volume 3441, Instruments, Methods, and Missions for Astrobiology; (1998) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.319834
Event: SPIE's International Symposium on Optical Science, Engineering, and Instrumentation, 1998, San Diego, CA, United States

Abstract

As part of a long term study of biological markers, we are documenting a variety of features which reflect the previous presence of living organisms. As we study meteorites and samples returned form Mars, our main clue to recognizing possible microbial material may be the presence of biomarkers rather than the organisms themselves. One class of biomarkers consists of biominerals which have either been precipitated directly by microorganisms, or whose precipitation has been influenced by the organisms. Such microbe-mediated mineral formation may include important clues to the size, shape, and environment of the microorganisms. The process of fossilization or mineralization can cause major changes in morphologies and textures of the original organisms. The study of fossilized terrestrial organisms can help provide insight into the interpretation of mineral biomarkers. The study of fossilized terrestrial organisms can help provide insight into the interpretation of mineral biomarkers. This paper describes the results of investigations of microfossils in Cambrian phosphate-rich rocks that were found in Khubsugul, Northern Mongolia.

Citation Download Citation

David S. McKay, Alexei Yu. Rozanov, Richard B. Hoover, and Frances Westall "Phosphate biomineralization of cambrian microorganisms", Proc. SPIE 3441, Instruments, Methods, and Missions for Astrobiology, (6 July 1998); https://doi.org/10.1117/12.319834

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