The immortal jellyfish. Turritopsis dohrnii. We have a question, why is jellyfish Turritopsis dohrnii called immortal? Turritopsis goes through two life stages: the polyp stage and the jellyfish stage. Normal adult jellyfish produce sperm and eggs. After fertilization, the egg forms an ovum, then a larva, which, falling, settles in the form of a polyp. For Turritopsis the process is slightly different. Medusa falls to the ground, where her body folds into a fetal position. After a few days it forms an outer shell. Its stolons grow and elongate until they form a polyp. A new polyp gives birth to a new jellyfish, and the process begins again. That’s why, Turritopsis dohrnii was nicknamed the immortal jellyfish. She regains her youth through transdifferentiation. Although he is not truly immortal, his longevity sparks interest in using his powers for the benefit of humanity. The study of its features makes a huge contribution to regenerative medicine. If successful, it could lead to breakthroughs in regenerative medicine, allowing us to apply similar principles to reverse aging in human cells. This research might open doors to innovative medical treatments, offering solutions for tissue repair and extending the boundaries of human longevity.
