Abstract
Thick mats of cellular remains from Eocene brown coal deposits of the Geiseltal near Halle, DDR, were determined to be fossil nonarticulated laticifers. Nuclear magnetic resonance analyses of intact strands showed they consisted of eis‐1,4‐configuration rubber representing the polymerized isoprenoid contents of individual laticifers. Only remains of laticifers are present; other cells are absent as a result of biodegradation. The long laticifers, often with a surrounding cell wall, retained a tubular shape during their preservation. The isoprenoid content, which filled the entire lumen, possessed a cribriform structural character. The interstices within the rubber represent areas of former protoplasm of the cell. Various configurations in the protoplasm molded by the rubber during the initial phase of fossilization appear as negative images of former nuclei, organelles, and possibly membrane surfaces. The laticifer axes possess branches of several configurations comparable in morphology to those in branched, nonarticulated laticifers in extant plants. Acetone extracts of the rubber contents analyzed by gas‐liquid chromatography identified the presence of several hydrocarbons which form a characteristic profile for the laticifer. It is suggested that the distinctive cellular micromorphology, rubber configuration, and hydrocarbon profile of these laticifers can be employed as markers in comparative studies with extant plants to identify the generic or species origin of these laticifers.
Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
