The First Living Species That Doesn’t Need Oxygen Has Been Discovered

The search for life in space continues. In these studies, usually needing oxygen, looking for carbon-based life forms. On the other hand, some researchers claimed that silicon-based or oxygen-free species might also exist. A living species that does not need oxygen has been discovered to support these claims.

What scientists discovered jellyfish-like A parasite with this structure does not have a mitochondrial genome. This enabled the found parasite to go down in history as the first multicellular structure without mitochondria. Mitochondria, which are found in large numbers in every cell, play a role in the production of energy from oxygen. The absence of mitochondria indicated that this creature did not need oxygen.

It will change the way we understand life

This discovery not only changes our understanding of life on Earth but also provides significant support in the search for extraterrestrial life. Life on Earth evolved to use aerobic respiration 1.45 billion years ago. other than red blood cells All of our cells contain mitochondria. Some creatures can breathe without oxygen, but these creatures are single-celled.

Examined by Dayana Yahalomi and her team from Tel Aviv University Henneguya salminicola structure called inside the cell without oxygen can live. DNA analysis revealed that these structures not only lost their mitochondria, but also all related structures and genes. With this discovery, new methods can be developed to combat this parasite.

Research PNASIt was published in .