Produced by: Tarun Mishra Designed by: Manoj Kumar
Turritopsis dohrnii follows a typical jellyfish life cycle, beginning as a larva and maturing into a polyp and then an adult medusa. However, it can revert to the polyp stage in response to stress or injury, effectively starting its life cycle anew.
The process called “trans differentiation” allows the jellyfish’s adult cells to transform into unspecialized cells that regenerate its body. This cellular reset lets it return to its polyp form and mature again into adulthood.
Theoretically, this cycle of aging in reverse can continue indefinitely, allowing the jellyfish to avoid death from old age, although it remains vulnerable to other natural threats.
Turritopsis dohrnii was first described in 1883, but its regenerative life cycle was only observed a century later in captivity. Found in oceans worldwide, it measures about 4-5 millimetres in diameter, roughly the size of a pinky nail.
While biologically capable of regenerating indefinitely, the jellyfish faces threats from predators, diseases, and environmental challenges that prevent many from reaching their maximum potential lifespan.
The jellyfish’s regenerative abilities have sparked scientific interest, with researchers aiming to understand its cellular mechanisms to explore potential human applications.
Studying Turritopsis dohrnii could inspire advancements in anti-aging treatments, cancer research, and regenerative medicine. Insights into cellular reprogramming could lead to therapies for tissue repair and slowing down aging in humans.