Which species of jellyfish is known for its ability to revert to a younger state, making it biologically immortal?

 

Which species of jellyfish is known for its ability to revert to a younger state, making it biologically immortal?

A) Aurelia aurita
B) Turritopsis dohrnii
C) Cyanea capillata
D) Cassiopea andromeda

✅ Correct Answer: B) Turritopsis dohrnii

Here is the AI-generated image of the Turritopsis dohrnii, the immortal jellyfish. 

Turritopsis dohrnii – The Immortal Jellyfish

🌍 Scientific Name:

Turritopsis dohrnii

📍 Habitat:

Native to the Mediterranean Sea, but now found in oceans around the world due to global shipping and ballast water discharge.

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🧬 Why is it Called 'Immortal'?

This jellyfish has a unique ability among known animals:

• When facing injury, starvation, or old age, it reverts its cells to a younger state — a process called transdifferentiation.

• It transforms from its adult medusa stage back into a polyp (its juvenile stage).

• It can repeat this cycle endlessly, making it biologically immortal (unless it's eaten or physically harmed).

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🔬 Biological Process – Transdifferentiation

• Most cells in animals are specialized and cannot change their type.

• Turritopsis dohrnii's cells can transform into different types of cells, essentially "resetting" themselves.

• This allows the jellyfish to go back in its life cycle, unlike any other animal.

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🔎 Why Is It Important to Science?

• Aging research: Scientists study this jellyfish to understand cellular aging and regeneration.

• It could hold clues for breakthroughs in regenerative medicine, cancer research, and longevity.

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⚠️ Limitations of Immortality

• It’s only biologically immortal.

• It can still die from:

  • Predation (being eaten)

  • Disease

  • Environmental changes