Microbe Discovery Challenges Fundamental Definition of Cellular Life
By
jnord
Toasted just enough. A reliable bake, gently seasoned.
Summary
Scientists have discovered a microbe with an extremely small genome that challenges fundamental definitions of life. The organism, found accidentally, lacks genes for metabolic functions and is almost entirely dependent on its host, raising questions about what constitutes a living organism. The discovery was made by evolutionary microbiologist Takuro Nakayama while studying marine dinoflagellates.
Key quotes
· 4 pulledScientists recently discovered a microbe with one of the tiniest genomes on Earth
Its genes don't support any of the functions of metabolism, one of the key processes of life
The discovery was 'pure serendipity'
It challenges fundamental notions of what it means to be a living organism
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