The immortal jellyfish, Turritopsis nutricula.
These incredibly unique beings come in a variety of shapes, sizes, and colors.
Particularly incredible is the tinyTurritopsis dohrnii.
The immortal jellyfish, Turritopsis nutricula. (Photo:Freshwater and Marine Image Bank, Public domain)
Smaller than a human fingernail, it is known as theimmortal jellyfishfor its endless lifecycle.
These polyps eventually detach into jellyfish known as a medusa.
The immortal jellyfish differs from other species.
The Turritopsis life cycle as illustrated in the late 19th century. (Photo:Wikimedia Commons, Public domain)
Instead of dying, it can morph back into a polyp.
Later, it blossoms once more into a jellyfish.
This cycle can continue indefinitely.
Why is the immortal jellyfish able to recycle itself?
Typically, as cells divide, the telomeres become shorter.
These are just several ways that the immortal jellyfish might offer insight into agingand even immortality.
Scientists have uncovered the gene that gives the immortal jellyfish its unnaturally long life.
The Turritopsis life cycle as illustrated in the late 19th century.
