Scientists discovered tiny microbe blurring life's definition

Scientists have discovered a microorganism, Candidatus Sukunaarchaeum mirabile, with the smallest known genome, potentially redefining the boundaries of life. This archaea, found inside a marine microalga, has a genome of only 238,000 base pairs, significantly smaller than the previous record. It lacks many essential functions, relying on its host for survival, focusing almost entirely on DNA replication and protein production. The discovery, made through DNA analysis of a single algal cell, suggests a broader group of similarly dependent microbes may exist. This finding challenges existing understanding of the minimum requirements for life.