Turritopsis nutricula: the world's only 'immortal' creature

This type of jellyfish, known as Turritopsis nutricula is the only discovered creature to be 'immortal'. As it reaches adulthood it is able to rejuvenate itself and revert to a sexually immature age. The creature (only 4-5mm in diameter) is the only known animal in existance known capable of jumping back to its juvenile polyp state. Theoretically this cycle repeats itself, rendering it immortal.

The jellyfish and its reversal of the ageing process is now the focus of research by marine biologists and geneticists. It is thought to achieve the feat through the cell development process of transdifferentiation, in which cells transform from one type to another. 

The switching of cell roles is usually seen only when parts of an organ regenerate. However, it appears to occur normally in the Turritopsis life cycle. 


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