Turritopsis dohrnii, the immortal jellyfish, is capable of reversing its life cycle and preventing aging. Researchers have discovered that, in comparison to a related but mortal jellyfish species, the immortal jellyfish possesses twice as many copies of genes linked to DNA repair and protection. The immortal jellyfish is able to protect itself from the effects of aging because of this genetic difference. According to the article, knowledge of the genetic processes underlying the immortal jellyfish's longevity may help us better understand aging in humans and age-related illnesses. After achieving sexual maturity, the small jellyfish species Turritopsis dohrnii has the amazing ability to return to its juvenile stage and mature once more. Because it can repeat itself endlessly, this process is known as "immortal jellyfish." To learn how the jellyfish accomplishes this, scientists have mapped its genetic sequence. They discovered that the jellyfish can produce more restorative proteins because it has twice as many genes that repair and protect DNA. Additionally, it contains mutations that protect telomeres, which normally get shorter as people age. The study proposes that various molecular pathways contribute to the jellyfish's immortality. Even though humans cannot live forever like jellyfish, the research may help us understand aging better and develop regenerative medicines.
Compared to a related but mortal jellyfish species, the immortal jellyfish (Turritopsis dohrnii) was found to have twice as many copies of genes linked to DNA repair and protection. The immortal jellyfish is able to protect itself from the effects of aging because of this genetic difference. The immortal jellyfish also possessed special mutations that inhibited cell division and stopped the telomeres, which are the protective caps on chromosomes, from degrading. The immortal jellyfish's longevity and capacity to reverse its life cycle are facilitated by these genetic changes.
To learn more about the jellyfish's aging process, including whether the newly formed adult medusae are the same individuals they were prior to returning to their polyp stage, more research is required. Further research is required to understand the aging process of the jellyfish and its potential applications for human health, but the study's findings might pave the way for a worthwhile new line of inquiry. The results of the study could lead to the development of human regenerative medications and "find better answers to the many diseases associated with aging that overwhelm us today."
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