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Helictites, cave mineral formations defying gravity, are formed by biologically-mediated processes. A prokaryotic biofilm influences calcium carbonate precipitation and growth trajectory, explaining their unique morphology.

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Area of Science:

  • Geology
  • Microbiology
  • Biomineralization

Background:

  • Helictites are cave mineral formations with orientations that defy gravity.
  • Their formation mechanisms remain unclear, with ongoing debate between abiotic and biotic theories.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the formation process of helictites in Asperge Cave, France.
  • To determine whether helictite genesis is biologically-mediated or purely abiotic.

Main Methods:

  • Morphological and petro-physical analysis of helictites.
  • Microanalysis and molecular-biological investigation of associated biofilms.
  • Characterization of prokaryotic biofilm and calcium carbonate (CaCO3) nucleation.

Main Results:

  • Helictite properties are inconsistent with purely physico-chemical precipitation.
  • A prokaryotic biofilm is intimately associated with the mineral structures.
  • Evidence suggests microbially-influenced mineralization within a gliding biofilm.

Conclusions:

  • Helictite formation is biologically-mediated, involving biofilms as nucleation sites for CaCO3.
  • Chemotaxis within the biofilm influences mineral growth trajectory and macroscopic morphology.
  • Biofilm influence may explain similar speleothems globally and reveals novel biomineralization processes.