Bacterial mineralization patterns in basaltic aquifers: implications for possible life in martian meteorite ALH84001

To explore the formation and preservation of biogenic features in igneous rocks, we have examined the organisms in experimental basaltic microcosms using scanning and transmission electron microscopy. Four types of microorganisms were recognized on the basis of size, morphology, and chemical composi...

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Published inGeology (Boulder) Vol. 26; no. 11; p. 1031
Main Authors Thomas-Keprta, K L, McKay, D S, Wentworth, S J, Stevens, T O, Taunton, A E, Allen, C C, Coleman, A, Gibson, Jr, E K, Romanek, C S
Format Journal Article
LanguageEnglish
Published United States 01.11.1998
Subjects
Biofilms
Environmental Microbiology
Exobiology
Fossils
Geologic Sediments - chemistry
Geologic Sediments - microbiology
Mars
Meteoroids
Microscopy, Electron
Microscopy, Electron, Scanning
Minerals - analysis
Minerals - chemistry
Silicates - analysis
Silicates - chemistry
NASA Center JSC
NASA Discipline Exobiology
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Summary:To explore the formation and preservation of biogenic features in igneous rocks, we have examined the organisms in experimental basaltic microcosms using scanning and transmission electron microscopy. Four types of microorganisms were recognized on the basis of size, morphology, and chemical composition. Some of the organisms mineralized rapidly, whereas others show no evidence of mineralization. Many mineralized cells are hollow and do not contain evidence of microstructure. Filaments, either attached or no longer attached to organisms, are common. Unattached filaments are mineralized and are most likely bacterial appendages (e.g., prosthecae). Features similar in size and morphology to unattached, mineralized filaments are recognized in martian meteorite ALH84001.
ISSN:0091-7613
1943-2682
DOI:10.1130/0091-7613(1998)026<1031:BMPIBA>2.3.CO;2