Parakaryon

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Overview

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See also

• Cell biology
• List of cells in the human body

External links

• Link to external resource

Parakaryon myojinensis is a unique single-celled organism that was discovered in 2012 by a team of Japanese researchers led by Yamaguchi. It was found in the deep-sea hydrothermal vent field known as Myojin Knoll, located in the Pacific Ocean. Parakaryon myojinensis is notable for its unusual cellular structure, which does not fit neatly into the traditional categories of prokaryotes or eukaryotes.

Discovery and Habitat

Parakaryon myojinensis was discovered during an exploration of the Myojin Knoll hydrothermal vent field. This environment is characterized by extreme conditions, including high pressure, high temperature, and the presence of various chemical compounds. The organism was isolated from sediment samples collected from this unique ecosystem.

Morphology and Structure

The most striking feature of Parakaryon myojinensis is its cellular structure. Unlike typical eukaryotic cells, it lacks a well-defined nucleus. Instead, it possesses a single, large, membrane-bound compartment that contains its genetic material. This compartment is not surrounded by a nuclear envelope, which is a defining characteristic of eukaryotic cells.

Additionally, Parakaryon myojinensis does not have typical mitochondria or chloroplasts, which are common organelles in eukaryotic cells. Instead, it contains unique membrane-bound structures that may perform similar functions. The cell also exhibits a complex cytoskeleton, which provides structural support and may play a role in cellular processes such as division and movement.

Genetic Characteristics

The genetic material of Parakaryon myojinensis is organized in a manner that is distinct from both prokaryotes and eukaryotes. The genome is not enclosed within a nuclear membrane, and it is not organized into chromosomes as seen in eukaryotic cells. Instead, the DNA is found in a large, irregularly shaped mass within the central compartment of the cell.

Phylogenetic Position

The phylogenetic position of Parakaryon myojinensis remains uncertain. It does not fit into the traditional classification of life into the domains Bacteria, Archaea, and Eukarya. Some researchers suggest that it may represent a new domain of life, while others propose that it could be a highly derived form of eukaryote or a unique lineage that diverged early in the evolution of eukaryotic cells.

Significance

The discovery of Parakaryon myojinensis challenges the traditional understanding of cellular organization and the classification of life. It provides insights into the diversity of life forms that exist in extreme environments and may offer clues about the early evolution of eukaryotic cells. Further research is needed to fully understand the biology and evolutionary history of this enigmatic organism.

Also see

• Prokaryote
• Eukaryote
• Archaea
• Hydrothermal vent
• Extremophile

Cell biology