A research team from the University of Oviedo decoded the genome of the immortal jellyfish, Turritopsis dohrnii. The discovery drew global attention by revealing genetic switches linked to this species’ unique ability to bypass death and reset its life cycle.
This tiny jellyfish measures only a few millimeters. It can reset its life cycle to an earlier asexual stage called a polyp and rejuvenate itself indefinitely. This remarkable feature makes it the first known organism capable of such a process and has sparked ongoing discussions about aging and regeneration.
People often wonder what makes this curious species so extraordinary, given that it has been studied for years. Here are some key points:
Its life cycle is unusual because, upon reaching sexual maturity, it reverts to a polyp. After maturing through a distinctive cellular process, it returns to an immature state, and this can happen repeatedly. For that reason, scientists nickname it the immortal jellyfish.
The immortal jellyfish is a small creature, measuring four to five millimeters in diameter. It has a long, bell-shaped body and a broad stomach. Its color is a vivid red, and cross sections reveal a cruciform pattern. Young specimens usually display eight tentacles, while adults can reach eighty. This description reflects observations from jellyfish databases and ongoing studies in marine biology.
where do they live
The natural habitat of the immortal jellyfish spans the world’s oceans. It inhabits temperate and tropical waters with warmer temperatures. Individuals have been found from Japan to Colombia, and there are records in the Mediterranean, especially along the coasts of Spain and Italy. Evidence suggests these jellyfish have dispersed through natural currents and human activities such as shipping and ballast water movement.
These organisms are believed to have existed in these areas for a long time, and their distribution owes much to ocean voyages and environmental spread.
what do they eat
Their diet includes plankton, crustaceans, small fish, and occasionally other jellyfish species. Like most jellyfish, they are opportunistic feeders, relying on what is available in the water. They capture prey with their tentacles, delivering venom to immobilize it. Once subdued, prey becomes easier to consume. This genus is known for adapting to a wide range of marine environments, allowing survival across diverse oceans.
Jellyfish feed by extending their tentacles to seize prey and inject venom, effectively immobilizing it so it can be consumed. Their opportunistic feeding pattern helps them thrive in various sea conditions.
The immortal jellyfish also demonstrates a flexible feeding approach, adjusting to seasonal shifts and the availability of different prey types as ecosystems change.
how they were born
In terms of reproduction, immortal jellyfish can engage in both male and female fertilization. Eggs develop in the stomach and other body cavities within colonies. New jellyfish begin life when eggs settle in colonies of polyps along the seafloor. Hatched jellyfish become sexually mature after a couple of days, provided the water temperature remains warm. They may then revert to the polyp stage and are studied under the name immortal jellyfish.
how long do they live
Most jellyfish have finite lifespans, progressing through distinct life stages including polyps and mature medusae, with durations often measured in months. The immortal jellyfish stands out because it can revert to a polyp, effectively extending its life cycle indefinitely. This transformation results from cellular plasticity that allows mature individuals to regenerate into polyps. Such a capability suggests resilience to changing conditions and may enable survival across diverse oceans.
This remarkable reversal is driven by cellular processes that enable mature jellyfish to transform back into a polyp, a feature not observed in other jellyfish species. It is widely studied as a natural example of regeneration and a potential model for understanding aging and cellular renewal.
Researchers note that the goal is to learn how organisms manage aging and disease, rather than pursuing human immortality. Insights from these studies shed light on cellular plasticity and regenerative limits in marine life.
As science progresses, the immortal jellyfish remains a focal point for discussions about aging, regeneration, and the broader implications for biology and medicine.