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Raman spectroscopy and light microscopy of a modern and sub-fossil microstromatolite: Rivularia haematites (cyanobacteria, Nostocales)

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  20 May 2003

Allan Pentecost  and
Howell G.M. Edwards
Allan Pentecost
Affiliation:
Department of Life Sciences, King's College London, Franklin-Wilkins Building, 150 Stamford Street, London SE1 9NN e-mail: [email protected]
Howell G.M. Edwards
Affiliation:
Department of Chemical and Forensic Sciences, University of Bradford, West Yorkshire BD7 1DP, UK
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Abstract

A study of Rivularia stromatolites demonstrated seasonal and non-seasonal banding patterns of calcification, ‘sun-screen’ scytonemin pigment and nitrogen-fixing heterocysts. Calcification was controlled by seasonal events with abiogenic ‘winter’ deposition and biogenic ‘summer’ deposition. Scytonemin was produced as a series of complex bands, probably as a response to summer Atlantic weather systems. Its production was also correlated in part with the appearance of heterocysts. The heterocysts were produced in bands, the pattern of which was probably controlled by an internal regulatory system. Raman spectra of modern and ancient (up to 4000 year old) Rivularia showed that scytonemin and carotenoid pigment can persist in dried material for >100 yr. The 4000 year old fossils did not reveal any useful biomarkers.

Keywords

calcificationcyanobacteriaRamanscytonemin
Type
Research Article
Information
International Journal of Astrobiology , Volume 1 , Issue 4 , October 2002 , pp. 357 - 363
Copyright
© 2003 Cambridge University Press

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