Can we investigate the cell biology of extinct microorganisms?

Question

I know that there are microfossils, but not if we can we know about the organelles, genetics or macromolecules of the cells that left them behind.

Answer 1

Dear Student,

This is something as a protein scientist, I could go on a rant about. But heres a tl;dr version :).

We can and have absolutely looked at structure and elucidated function (by comparing it to similar proteins or whatever we know). We absolutely have sequenced DNA from extinct animals. The problem is we cant see it moving, study how it works, or what it did, if we cant find a homologue, itd be harder to understand. They may have had to have enzymes that we no longer need, but we wouldn’t know what it does. But we can make an educated guess.

I hope that answers your question. If not, let me know. I can talk more in depth about it.