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Dinosteranes and Dinosteroids

Dinoflagellates, as might be apparent by the name, are flagellated protozoa that have been around for billions of years. The tracking of dinosteranes and dinosteroids, biomarkers derived from dinoflagellates, in fossils has been invaluable to documenting time-dependent changes in the fossil record. Because dinosteranes and dinosteroids are found near petroleum deposits, geologists often seek out and track the concentration of dinosteranes and dinosteroids in the ground to measure the likelihood of finding oil in a specified area.

Dinoflagellates are often photosynthetic, and provide an excellent food source for other organisms. Others are known for bioluminescence. Perhaps the most salient feature of dinoflagellates, however, is the red tide phenomenon. During the warm months of summer, if nutritional characteristics of the ocean are in a certain balance, dinoflagellates will overreproduce to such an extent that the water will turn red or golden. Marine life are destroyed by red tide, as dinoflagellates secrete a neurotoxin that can destroy muscle function in certain organism. It is possible that scientists will be able to test for dinosterane and dinosteroid levels in water to predict red tide in advance.

Web Resources On Dinosteranes and Dinosteroids

Dinoflagellata: Fossil Record
Molecular Fossils Demonstrate Precambrian Origin of Dinoflagellates

Book Resources On Dinosteranes and Dinosteroids

Toxic Dinoflagellates by Donald M. Anderson et al
Dinoflagellates by David L. Spector

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