The Quanta Podcast The Cellular Secret to Resisting the Pressure of the Deep Sea
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Feb 5, 2025 Delve into the mysteries of the deep sea, where comb jellies showcase unique cellular adaptations to survive extreme pressures. Discover how curvy lipids play a crucial role in maintaining cellular integrity under stress. Learn about the significance of plasmologens in adapting to harsh environments and their impact on human neural health. Explore the incredible biochemical traits of extremophiles and their fascinating evolutionary paths. This journey highlights the interconnectedness of life beneath the ocean's depths.
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Deep-Sea Adaptation
- Deep-sea organisms have unique adaptations to survive extreme pressure.
- A study reveals how cell membranes, specifically lipids, play a crucial role in this adaptation.
Comb Jelly Responses to Pressure
- Comb jellies collected from the deep sea disintegrate when brought to the surface.
- Shallow-water comb jellies' cilia beat faster under pressure, eventually leading to their death.
Plasmalogens and Pressure
- Deep-sea comb jellies' membranes have a higher concentration of plasmalogens.
- These curved lipids maintain a functional membrane structure under immense pressure.
