A recently discovered organism called Sukunaarchaeum mirabile is redefining the boundaries of life as scientists struggle to categorize it as either a virus or a cell. This new entity, found in the marine plankton Citharistes regius, shares some characteristics with viruses but also exhibits unique traits that set it apart.
Unlike most viruses, which rely on their host for certain functions, Sukunaarchaeum mirabile can produce its own ribosomes and RNA. However, it still relies heavily on its host for metabolic processes, raising questions about the definition of life. Its genome is remarkably small, with only 238,000 base pairs – half the size of the next smallest archaeal genome.
The discovery of Sukunaarchaeum mirabile challenges our understanding of cellular life and highlights the complexity of life’s boundaries. Further research into symbiotic systems may reveal more extraordinary organisms that redefine what it means to be alive.
Source: https://www.popularmechanics.com/science/animals/a65193552/archaea-cell-virus