A multi-isotope approach of biomarkers to deep biosphere

Abstract

Compound-specific carbon, hydrogen and nitrogen isotope analyses have been developed in sub-nano molar level. In this talk, I will discuss the results of carbon, hydrogen and nitrogen compositions of individual fatty acids and amino acids of deep-sea mussels at hydrothermal vents and a terrestrial bacterial mat to infer their metabolisms. Such a multi-isotope approach of biomarkers could be a powerful means to evaluate deep biosphere.