Significance of microstructure for the recognition of biologically mediated mineralization

Hojatollah Vali; Jeanne Paquette; S. Kelly Sears; Mounir Temmam; Anthony E. Williams-Jones; Everett J. Gibson Jr.; Kathy L. Thomas-Keprta; Christopher S. Romanek; David S. McKay

doi:10.1117/12.278767

11 July 1997 Significance of microstructure for the recognition of biologically mediated mineralization

Hojatollah Vali, Jeanne Paquette, S. Kelly Sears, Mounir Temmam, Anthony E. Williams-Jones, Everett J. Gibson Jr., Kathy L. Thomas-Keprta, Christopher S. Romanek, David S. McKay

Author Affiliations +

Proceedings Volume 3111, Instruments, Methods, and Missions for the Investigation of Extraterrestrial Microorganisms; (1997) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.278767
Event: Optical Science, Engineering and Instrumentation '97, 1997, San Diego, CA, United States

Abstract

The microstructure and surface microtopography of biogenic carbonate minerals were compared and contrasted with synthetic and natural abiotic carbonates. Bacteria and their by-products on mineral surfaces are imaged in TEM using high-resolution platinum/carbon and gold-decorated replicas. In contrast to SEM, this technique allows imaging of organic and inorganic structures in their original hydrated states and at higher magnification. The material examined so far show different microstructures between bacterial-mediated and inorganic minerals. This suggests that in the absence of preserved microorganisms, the unique microstructure and surface microtopography (biominerals) can be used to recognize biological activities in ancient terrestrial and extraterrestrial rocks.

Citation Download Citation

Hojatollah Vali, Jeanne Paquette, S. Kelly Sears, Mounir Temmam, Anthony E. Williams-Jones, Everett J. Gibson Jr., Kathy L. Thomas-Keprta, Christopher S. Romanek, and David S. McKay "Significance of microstructure for the recognition of biologically mediated mineralization", Proc. SPIE 3111, Instruments, Methods, and Missions for the Investigation of Extraterrestrial Microorganisms, (11 July 1997); https://doi.org/10.1117/12.278767

ACCESS THE FULL ARTICLE

INSTITUTIONAL
Select your institution to access the SPIE Digital Library.

SELECT YOUR INSTITUTION

PERSONAL
Sign in with your SPIE account to access your personal subscriptions or to use specific features such as save to my library, sign up for alerts, save searches, etc.

PERSONAL SIGN IN

No SPIE Account? Create one

PURCHASE THIS CONTENT

SUBSCRIBE TO DIGITAL LIBRARY

50 downloads per 1-year subscription

Members: $195

Non-members: $335 ADD TO CART

25 downloads per 1 - year subscription

Members: $145

Non-members: $250 ADD TO CART

PURCHASE SINGLE ARTICLE

Includes PDF, HTML & Video, when available