The Tiny Cell That Broke a Big Rule of Biology
A tiny cell that broke a big rule of biology
I explore the discovery of a unique cell that defies a fundamental rule of biology by performing nitrogen fixation in a way previously thought impossible. This tiny organism, found in algae, challenges our understanding of the nitrogen cycle and could revolutionize how we think about fertilizers and sustainable agriculture.
This tiny cell wasn't just breaking a rule; it was rewriting the textbook on how life sustains itself.
- HarHarVeryFunny
Fantastic - the nitroplast joining a pretty exclusive club there.
Bigelowii itself seems very interesting, even without this nitrogen fixing organelle, having two completely different phases to it's life - one in a weird dodecahedral calcareous shell and one without as a mobile flagellate. Apparently it can exist and reproduce in either form, and occasionally switch forms. It took scientists a long while to realize the two forms are actually the same species.
- imzadi
This is a nicely written article, which feels like a rarity lately.
- ninju
Kudos to the scientists everywhere that continue to explore the mysteries of nature