A tiny creature in the sea holds a big secret. The immortal jellyfish can turn back its age. Scientists are fascinated by its rare biological power. What makes the immortal jellyfish stand apart?
Where does the immortal jellyfish live and thrive?
The immortal jellyfish, or Turritopsis dohrnii, comes from the Mediterranean Sea. It has now spread to waters across the world. These jellyfish favour temperate and subtropical regions. Their size is very small, just four to five millimetres. They are about the size of a fingernail. Their diet includes plankton, fish larvae, and small organisms. They catch prey using tiny, delicate tentacles. Despite their small size, they survive in various oceans.
How does the immortal jellyfish reverse its age?
When under stress, it performs transdifferentiation, a special process. Cells change type, like muscle to nerve cells. This allows the jellyfish to revert to a polyp. The process resets its life cycle completely. Starvation, injury, or ageing can trigger the change. Scientists find this reprogramming ability highly fascinating. It makes the jellyfish biologically immortal in principle. However, they are not invincible against predators or pollution.
Why isn’t the immortal jellyfish everywhere?
Their populations are smaller compared to other jellyfish. They need specific habitats to survive. Small size and fragile nature limit their spread. Harsh environmental conditions and predators remain a constant threat. Immortality applies only to ageing, not external dangers. Scientists study them hoping to learn useful lessons. These jellyfish remain a unique wonder of nature. Perhaps they will inspire future medical advances.
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