A possible chlorophycean affinity of some Neoproterozoic acritarchs

Two taxa of Neoproterozoic acritarchs of unknown affinity, Multifronsphaeridium pelorium and Species A, are analysed by electron microscopic (SEM, TEM) and chemical (micro-FTIR, pyrolysis GC–MS, thermal desorption–MS) methods. Both acritarch species are characterised by multi-branched processes and a remnant trilaminar sheath (TLS) structure. The TLS-bearing wall structures in these acritarchs suggest a possible biological affinity to chlorophyte algaenan. The molecular data obtained from the two acritarchs were generally similar and also consistent with a chlorophycean affinity. A significant aliphatic moiety is evident in these acritarchs as a short-chain series of n-alkene/alkane pyrolysates and prominent aliphatic IR bands. The restricted molecular-weight range (