Przeobrażenia substancji organicznych w procesach metagenezy

Abstract

METAMORPHOSIS OF ORGANIC MATTER IN THE COURSE OF METAGENETIC PROCESSESSummaryOrganic matter dispersed in sedimentary rocks appears to be closely related genetically to composition of primary organic matter. That is why the problem of the primary organic matter becomes the subject at current interest in studies on composition and degree of alternation of organic matter. Methodological studies on that problem were initiated at the Institute of Geochemistry, Mineralogy and Petrology of Warsaw University. In the course of the studies on methodology of extraction of organic matter (OM) from recrystallized carbonate rocks rich in bituminous matter a successful attempt to extract well-preserved remains of animal plankton was made. The remains were analysed under light microscope. The oldest and the best preserved remains were recovered from Upper Cambrian limestones. The studies showed usefulness of a number of contrasting reagents (organic dyes), which make it possible to identify certain structural details of those skeletonless organisms. Results of the initial stage of these studies may be considered as highly promising.