Subject: Ancient cellular creature over-reproduced, died by it's own gas production?

I read somewhere, once, of a primitive single or multi-celled creature which 
reproduced to such a degree that it became extinct through the over-production 
of, possibly, Oxygen?  It was at the beginning of life on earth. Can anyone 
tell me what this creature was?  It's a question that's been bugging me for a 
good twenty years.  Quotations and sitations would be thrilling.  Thanks for 
reading my question.  

Re: Ancient cellular creature over-reproduced, died by it's own gas production?