Biologists have come across a previously unknown life form, dubbed Solarion arienae. This discovery originated from a marine ciliate laboratory sample collected off the coast of Croatia back in 2011. As reported by the journal Nature, researchers only became aware of its existence following the demise of the host organisms.
Solarion arienae is a single-celled eukaryote, featuring both a nucleus and mitochondria. Nevertheless, this entity doesn’t conform to any established eukaryotic classifications and represents an entirely new phylum. It is grouped with other similar life forms within the broader realm of protists.
The presence of the secA gene within the microorganism’s mitochondria is indicative of the molecular machinery found in ancient protomitochondria, organisms that once existed independently. This finding bolsters the endosymbiotic theory concerning mitochondrial origins—the concept that mitochondria arose from a symbiotic relationship with ancient bacteria.
Scientists posit that Solarion arienae represents a highly evolved ancestor, serving as a potent reminder of how little we truly comprehend the vast diversity of microbial existence.
Separately, in recent research, American scientists have challenged long-held notions regarding genome organization during cell division. These investigators identified minute loops within the genomes of dividing cells; investigating these structures could yield breakthroughs beneficial in combating cancer.
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