Ultrahigh-resolution imaging of biogenic phosphorus and molybdenum in palaeoproterozoic gunflint microfossils

Phosphorus and molybdenum play important roles in the formation of microbial cell structures and specific enzymes crucial for metabolic processes. Nevertheless, questions remain about the preservation of these elements within ancient microfossils. Here, we present shape-accurate ion images capturing phosphorus and molybdenum on Palaeoproterozoic filamentous microfossils by pioneering a methodology using lateral high-resolution secondary ion mass spectrometry. Introducing electrically conductive glass for mounting isolated microfossils facilitated clearer observations with increased secondary ion yields. Phosphorus was detected along the contours of microfossils, providing direct evidence of phospholipid utilization in the cell membrane. Trace amounts of molybdenum were detected within microfossil bodies, suggesting potential remnants of molybdenum-bearing proteins, such as nitrogenase. These findings align with the hypothesized cyanobacterial origin of filamentous gunflint microfossils. Our methodology introduces a groundbreaking tool for obtaining crucial insights into the cellular evolution and metabolic pathways of microorganisms, allowing comparisons of their morphological characteristics.