Bacteriohopanepolyols (BHPs), bacteriohopanoids, or bacterial pentacyclic triterpenoids are commonly found in the lipid cell membranes of bacteria.[1] BHPs are frequently used as biomarkers in sedimentary rocks and can provide paleoecological information about ancient bacterial communities.[2]
^Blumenberg M, Seifert R, Kasten S, Bahlamnn E, Michaelis W (2009). "Euphotic zone bacterioplankton sources major sedimentary bacteriohopanepolyols in the Holocene Black Sea". Geochimica et Cosmochimica Acta. 73 (3): 750–766. Bibcode:2009GeCoA..73..750B. doi:10.1016/j.gca.2008.11.005.
^van Winden JF, Talbot HM, Kip N, Reichart GJ, Pol A, McNamara NP, et al. (2012). "Bacteriohopanepolyol signatures as markers for methanotrophic bacteria in peat moss". Geochimica et Cosmochimica Acta. 77: 52–61. Bibcode:2012GeCoA..77...52V. doi:10.1016/j.gca.2011.10.026. hdl:2066/93763.