Scientists have discovered a single-celled organism, Candidatus Sukunaarchaeum mirabile, with an exceptionally small genome that lacks essential metabolic functions, raising questions about what constitutes life. This organism relies entirely on a host for nutrients and challenges traditional definitions of cellular life. Its extreme genome reduction suggests a unique evolutionary path within microbial biodiversity.

Researchers have discovered a new organism named 'Sukunaarchaeum mirabile' that blurs the line between viruses and cellular life. This entity, which belongs to the domain Archaea, has a small genome and can create its own ribosomes and RNA, yet it relies on a host for many functions, challenging traditional definitions of life. The discovery emphasizes the complexity of microbial life and the potential for more unique organisms to be found.