Carotane is a plant pigment that belongs to a class of tetraterpenes called carotenoids. These tetraterpenes are known for their yellow, orange, and red colors as these are organic pigments. These colors are beneficial to their host species that tend to be plants and algae.[1] Within plants, carotenoids play the major roles of allowing light to be absorbed via photosynthesis as well ad providing photoprotection through a non-photochemical quenching.[2]
The tetraterpene is also a product of the degradation of carotene and thus represents an important biomarker. However, where carotene has double bonds, carotane only has single bonds. This is the only difference in the structure given that carotane represents the degradation of carotene. Given the length of time it takes to degrade carotane, the species allows for a more extensive geologic record.
Measurement techniques edit
Green River Formation edit
Carotane was first measures in the Green River Formation.[3] It was discovered using gas-liquid chromatography and GC/MS. The sample was purified with a thin layer of Ag+ silica, and larger samples of 5 μg were used to give more accurate results and reduce the noise in the MS peaks. What was found was the degradation results of carotene.
Preservation edit
Given its long degradation time, carotane acts as an important biomarker Given how long it is preserved. It remains best in sediment and oil environments where it can last years. Beta-carotane, in specific, acts as a biomarker for saline and low lacustrine environments.[4] This means carotane can be used as a biomarker to identify previous water-based habitats.
Barney Creek edit
The Barney Creek Study was set up to determine why deep levels of carotane did not exist in the Barney Creek Formation. The two guesses as to the reason were that it was a biological phenomenon within the species or that the species had just degraded. Using chromatography with He as a carrier gas, degradation was visible in the samples. There was found to be a presence of beta and gamma carotane derivatives. The derivatives were cross-referenced with synthesized derivatives that were produced via the catagenesis of beta carotene through hydrous pyrolysis.[5]
References edit
- ^ "Carotenoids". Linus Pauling Institute. 2014-04-28. Retrieved 2021-09-26.
- ^ Armstrong, G. A.; Hearst, J. E. (February 1996). "Carotenoids 2: Genetics and molecular biology of carotenoid pigment biosynthesis". FASEB Journal. 10 (2): 228–237. doi:10.1096/fasebj.10.2.8641556. ISSN 0892-6638. PMID 8641556. S2CID 22385652.
- ^ Murphy, Mary T. J.; McCormick, A.; Eglinton, G. (1967-09-01). "Perhydro-β-Carotene in the Green River Shale". Science. 157 (3792): 1040–1042. Bibcode:1967Sci...157.1040M. doi:10.1126/science.157.3792.1040. PMID 17770425. S2CID 40339193.
- ^ Wang, Qianru; Huang, Haiping; Li, Zheng; Ma, Yong; Zeng, Jianhui; Larter, Steve (2021-06-01). "Geochemical significance of β-carotane in lacustrine oils from the Shahejie Formation of the Dongying Depression, eastern China". Organic Geochemistry. 156: 104241. Bibcode:2021OrGeo.15604241W. doi:10.1016/j.orggeochem.2021.104241. ISSN 0146-6380. S2CID 235582921.
- ^ Lee, Carina; Brocks, Jochen J. (2011-05-01). "Identification of carotane breakdown products in the 1.64billion year old Barney Creek Formation, McArthur Basin, northern Australia". Organic Geochemistry. 42 (4): 425–430. Bibcode:2011OrGeo..42..425L. doi:10.1016/j.orggeochem.2011.02.006. ISSN 0146-6380.