RESISTANT BIOMACROMOLECULES IN THE FOSSIL RECORD

This paper reviews the occurrence of biomacromolecules in fossil plant s and animals. The range of techniques used in their release, preparat ion, microscopy and chemical analysis is described, as is the role of decay experiments in their investigation. The major plant parts that i nclude resistant macromolecules are discussed: algal cell walls, cutic les, spore and pollen walls, propagules, periderm, secondary xylem, an d secretions. The chemistry of animal cuticles preserved in the fossil record is briefly considered; they may incorporate macromolecules of plant origin during diagenesis. Some future directions for research ar e outlined: characterization of sporopollenin, characterization of ext ant and extinct tissues and organs, chemosystematic investigations, ta phonomic processes, investigation of biomacromolecules in animal fossi ls.