Anaerobic Multicellular Organism Found

[Shpaget]

While there are quite a few known anaerobic single cell organisms, multicellular ones are rarer beasts. There are three species of loricifera known to be anaerobic, where their mitochondria (they are the powerhouse of the cell) can operate in oxygen free environment, a new critter (Henneguya salminicola) has been identified which has no mitochondria (blackout of the cell). It lack the genetics to make them. That is a first in multicellular world. In additional contrast to the aforementioned loricifera, these buggers don't live in extreme environments of deep sea hypersaline brine lakes. These are a species of a parasite found in salmon, so plenty of oxygen there. They just chose not to use it.

https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2020/02/200225114408.htm

https://www.sciencealert.com/scientists-find-the-first-animal-that-doesn-t-need-oxygen-to-survive

It is still not fully understood how the Henneguya salminicola can maintain its life, and what the actual replacement for mitochondria is. They are speculating the parasite is leeching the host for adenosine triphosphate as well as all the usual nutrients parasites leech.

Edited May 12, 2020 by Shpaget