Microfossils of Filamentous Prokaryotes in CI1 and CM2 Meteorites

摘要

Field Emission Scanning Electron Microscopy (FESEM) studies of recently obtained samples of Orgueil, Ivuna and Murchison meteorites have provided further evidence for the existence of indigenous filamentous microfossils embedded in the mineral matrix of CI1 and CM2 carbonaceous meteorites. Energy Dispersive X-ray Spectroscopy (EDS) spot data and 2-D elemental X-ray maps establish that the nitrogen and sulphur content of the forms found in the meteorites are dramatically different from modern prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells. These results are interpreted as providing additional evidence for the existence of a complex suite of indigenous microfossils in carbonaceous meteorites.