Cretaceous gnetalean yields first preserved plant gum

Roberts, E. A., Seyfullah, L. J., Loveridge, R. F., Garside, P. and Martill, D. M. (2020) Cretaceous gnetalean yields first preserved plant gum. Scientific Reports, 10, 3401. (doi: 10.1038/s41598-020-60211-2) (PMID:32099018) (PMCID:PMC7042272)

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Abstract

Some liquid plant exudates (e.g. resin) can be found preserved in the fossil record. However, due to their high solubility, gums have been assumed to dissolve before fossilisation. The visual appearance of gums (water-soluble polysaccharides) is so similar to other plant exudates, particularly resin, that chemical testing is essential to differentiate them. Remarkably, Welwitschiophyllum leaves from Early Cretaceous, Brazil provide the first chemical confirmation of a preserved gum. This is despite the leaves being exposed to water twice during formation and subsequent weathering of the Crato Formation. The Welwitschiophyllum plant shares the presence of gum ducts inside leaves with its presumed extant relative the gnetalean Welwitschia. This fossil gum presents a chemical signature remarkably similar to the gum in extant Welwitschia and is distinct from those of fossil resins. We show for the first time that a water-soluble plant exudate has been preserved in the fossil record, potentially allowing us to recognise further biomolecules thought to be lost during the fossilisation process.

Item Type:Articles
Status:Published
Refereed:Yes
Glasgow Author(s) Enlighten ID:Garside, Mr Paul
Authors: Roberts, E. A., Seyfullah, L. J., Loveridge, R. F., Garside, P., and Martill, D. M.
College/School:College of Arts & Humanities > School of Culture and Creative Arts > History of Art
Journal Name:Scientific Reports
Publisher:Nature Research
ISSN:2045-2322
ISSN (Online):2045-2322
Copyright Holders:Copyright © 2020 The Authors
First Published:First published in Scientific Reports 10: 3401
Publisher Policy:Reproduced under a Creative Commons License

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