Amoeba reportedly sets complex life’s heat record by reproducing at 145°F
NASA says the “fire amoeba” has ways to protect its DNA, proteins and cell membranes against extreme heat. Studying those defenses could help scientists understand where life might endure on other worlds.
TLDR
NASA says researchers it supported found the first known eukaryote—an organism with complex cells—able to reproduce at 145°F (63°C), hotter than scientists thought such cells could withstand. Extreme heat can damage DNA, unravel proteins and break down cell membranes, but the agency says the “fire amoeba” has ways to protect all three. NASA says the discovery could broaden the search for habitable worlds.
Amoeba reportedly sets complex life’s heat record by reproducing at 145°F
NASA says the “fire amoeba” has ways to protect its DNA, proteins and cell membranes against extreme heat. Studying those defenses could help scientists understand where life might endure on other worlds.
TLDR
NASA says researchers it supported found the first known eukaryote—an organism with complex cells—able to reproduce at 145°F (63°C), hotter than scientists thought such cells could withstand. Extreme heat can damage DNA, unravel proteins and break down cell membranes, but the agency says the “fire amoeba” has ways to protect all three. NASA says the discovery could broaden the search for habitable worlds.
