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Tiny archaeon offers new clues to the minimum genetic requirements for life (opens in a new tab)

news-medical.net · 2026-10-09

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Claim 1 of 5Not checkedScientists have discovered a previously unknown microorganism, Candidatus Sukunaarchaeum mirabile, that has the smallest genome ever found and is possibly able to replicate and express its own genetic information.View evidenceHide evidence

As statedsmallest genome ever found

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Claim 2 of 5Not checkedThe researchers have not yet directly observed the organism or identified its host, but say the finding offers new clues about how simple a living cell can become while still reproducing and maintaining its own genetic information.View evidenceHide evidence

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Claim 3 of 5Not checkedThe microorganism belongs to the archaea and still contains the genes needed to copy its DNA and use its genetic information to make proteins.View evidenceHide evidence

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Claim 4 of 5Not checkedThe organism has lost almost all the genes needed to produce its own nutrients and energy, suggesting that it depends heavily on other organisms for resources and may live as a parasite inside or alongside another organism.View evidenceHide evidence

As statedaround a quarter of its genome consists of genes for unusually large membrane proteins

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Claim 5 of 5Not checkedThe genome is reported to be less than half the size of the smallest archaeal genome previously known and contains just 189 protein-coding genes.View evidenceHide evidence

As statedless than half the size; 189 protein-coding genes

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A hidden archaeal lineage with an ultra-reduced genome retaining only its replicative core

Current Biology · 2026

Source record (opens in a new tab)

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Papers considered

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Crossref, Europe PMC · 16 candidate papers

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A hidden archaeal lineage with an ultra-reduced genome retaining only its replicative core

Current Biology · 2026 · Crossref

Source (opens in a new tab)

And 10 more candidates considered.