Modern biology textbooks have been proven wrong by a groundbreaking discovery. An international team of scientists identified the first nitrogen-fixing organelle within a eukaryotic cell, challenging the rule that only bacteria can convert atmospheric nitrogen into a usable form. Named a nitroplast, this organelle co-evolved with its algal host, demonstrating replication and division synchronization. This discovery offers a new perspective on organellogenesis and possible implications for agriculture. The research, funded by the Simons Foundation and DOE, showcases the beauty and impact of advanced technology in biology. Nitroplast’s evolutionary story is a unique addition to scientific textbooks, breaking new ground in the field of biology.
https://newscenter.lbl.gov/2024/04/17/scientists-discover-first-nitrogen-fixing-organelle/