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Photosynthesis 3.5 thousand million years ago.

J M Olson¹, B K Pierson

¹Institute of Biochemistry, Odense University, Campusvej 55, DK-5230, Odense M, Denmark.

Photosynthesis Research

|January 21, 2014

Summary

Ancient life thrived 3.5 billion years ago, evidenced by stromatolites and microfossils. These early phototrophic prokaryotes likely used sulfur compounds for energy and were shielded from intense UV radiation by ferric iron in sediments.

Area of Science:

Origin of life studies
Paleobiology
Biogeochemistry

Background:

Stromatolites and microfossils in 3.5-billion-year-old rocks indicate early phototrophic prokaryotes.
Carbon isotope values suggest autotrophic CO2 fixation.
Sulfate deposits imply photosynthesis utilized reduced sulfur compounds.

Purpose of the Study:

To investigate the metabolic capabilities of early phototrophic prokaryotes.
To propose a mechanism for their survival under intense UV radiation in Earth's early atmosphere.

Main Methods:

Analysis of stromatolites and microfossils for evidence of early life.
Stable isotope analysis (δ(13)C) of sedimentary organic carbon.
Geochemical assessment of ancient sediment composition and UV-shielding properties.

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Main Results:

Evidence for phototrophic prokaryotes existing 3.5 billion years ago.
Autotrophic CO2 fixation and sulfur-based photosynthesis were likely.
Ancient photoautotrophs may have possessed single reaction centers with chlorophyll or bacteriochlorophyll and iron-sulfur centers.
Ferric iron in sediments likely provided UV shielding for submerged organisms.

Conclusions:

Phototrophic prokaryotes existed 3.5 billion years ago, utilizing CO2 fixation and sulfur compounds.
Abundant ferric iron in early sediments offered a protective UV shield, enabling survival.
Early photosynthesis likely involved chlorophyll or bacteriochlorophyll pigments.