JOURNAL ARTICLE

Fossils harbor hints of photosynthesis.

  • Published In: Science News, 2024, v. 205, n. 2. P. 7 1 of 3

  • Database: Academic Search Ultimate 2 of 3

  • Authored By: Saey, Tina Hesman 3 of 3

Abstract

Ancient fossils from Australia dating back 1.75 billion years may provide evidence of photosynthesis. These fossilized bacteria contain membrane structures called thylakoids, which are similar to those found in modern cyanobacteria and plants where photosynthesis occurs. The discovery pushes back the evidence of thylakoids in cyanobacteria by 1.2 billion years. This finding is significant because it suggests the possibility of extracting more information about cell biology and morphology from these types of fossils. The fossils also hint at the presence of oxygen-rich pockets during a period when oxygen levels in Earth's atmosphere were low, which may have contributed to the evolution of plants and animals. [Extracted from the article]

Additional Information

  • Source:Science News. 2024/01, Vol. 205, Issue 2, p7
  • Document Type:Article
  • Subject Area:Earth and Atmospheric Sciences
  • Publication Date:2024
  • ISSN:0036-8423
  • Accession Number:174731226
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