Ancient 'Living Fossils' Hold Secrets of Life's Complexity

Topic: Biology

Scientists discovered a new microbe living in ancient stromatolites. This find may help explain how complex life emerged on Earth.

Stromatolites are ancient formations that look like rocks but are actually communities built by tiny microbes. They helped release oxygen into the air billions of years ago, before animals and plants existed. Now, a team of scientists thinks these 'living fossils' may also hold clues to another major event in Earth's history: the emergence of complex life.

The research team, led by Associate Professor Brendan Burns from UNSW Sydney, discovered a previously unknown microbe living inside stromatolites. This microbe is part of an unusual group called Asgard archaea, which are closely related to the ancestors of all plants and animals, including humans. The scientists found that this microbe interacts with another organism through tiny connections called nanotubes.

The team used a special imaging technique called electron cryotomography to visualize the interaction between the two microbes. They observed that the archaeon produces compounds that the bacterium can use, such as vitamins and nutrients. This partnership may be similar to how complex cells first emerged on Earth.

Why It Matters

Understanding how life became more complex is crucial for us because it helps us understand our own evolution and the diversity of life on Earth today.

Key Facts

• Stromatolites are ancient formations built by microbes that helped release oxygen into the air billions of years ago.
• The research team discovered a new microbe living inside stromatolites, which is part of an unusual group called Asgard archaea.
• The microbe interacts with another organism through tiny connections called nanotubes.
• The scientists used electron cryotomography to visualize the interaction between the two microbes.
• This discovery may help explain how complex life emerged on Earth.

Key Terms

Asgard archaea

An unusual group of microbes that are closely related to the ancestors of all plants and animals.

Nanotubes

Tiny connections between cells or microorganisms that allow them to exchange substances.

Electron cryotomography

A special imaging technique used to visualize tiny structures at very high resolution.

Implications

Understanding how life became more complex is crucial for us because it helps us understand our own evolution and the diversity of life on Earth today.