Scientists Discover New Marine Microorganism with 'Alien' Reproductive Strategy
A recent study published in Protist reports the discovery of a new marine microorganism, named Caledochytrium aldermanii, which exhibits a previously unknown and 'alien' reproductive strategy. Instead of dividing into two, mature cells of this microbe develop a large internal chamber where entirely new daughter cells grow. Some of these daughter cells already contain another developing generation inside them before the mother cell ruptures to release them. This process, described by Professor Peter Morris of Heriot-Watt University, means the microbes can be 'pregnant grandmothers.' The species was discovered in three locations in Scotland and is part of the Labyrinthulomycetes group, known for their role in nutrient recycling in marine environments. The discovery was a result of a long-term collaboration between Heriot-Watt University, its spinout company Strameno, CEFAS Weymouth, and the Institute of Aquaculture at Stirling University, relying on traditional observation and morphological description rathe... 
