Scientists have discovered a brand new kind of life form hiding in your gut and mouth: Obelisks! These tiny, rod-shaped structures are made of RNA, the same molecule that carries genetic information in cells.
But unlike anything we’ve seen before, Obelisks can also code for their proteins, blurring the lines between simple genetic molecules and complex viruses. They’re very small, about 1,000 times smaller than a bacterium!
Where were Obelisks found?
Obelisks were hiding in our guts and mouths, with the trillions of bacteria that make up our microbiome.
The researchers found them in 7% of gut bacteria and a whopping 50% of mouth bacteria!
What do they do?
Not enough information has been disclosed about what Obelisks do. They might help their bacterial hosts in some way, or maybe they just hitch a ride for survival.
They could even be a missing link between simple genetic molecules and more complex lifeforms like viruses.
Here’s the scoop:.
- Where they live: Obelisks have been found in about 7% of gut bacteria and in half of the bacteria in the mouth
- What do they look like? Think microscopic needles made of twisted RNA strands, about 1,000 building blocks long.
- How do they work? Obelisks can code for proteins called Oblins, which might help them replicate. Unlike viruses, they lack protein shells and are larger than DNA-based plasmids.
- Who hosts them? One type of gut bacteria, Streptococcus sanguinis, is confirmed to harbor an Obelisk, but others are likely involved.
- Why are they important? Obelisks could bridge the gap between simple molecules and complex viruses, expanding our understanding of the microbiome and its diverse inhabitants. However, their exact function and impact remain a mystery.
- How they’re different: Unlike viruses, Obelisks don’t have a protein coat and are much smaller. They’re also bigger than plasmids, which are pieces of DNA that can jump between bacteria.
Scientists are just beginning to unravel the secrets of Obelisks. Further research is needed to understand their role in our bodies, how they affect their hosts, and whether they have any implications for human health.
Remember: This research is still early, and more studies are needed to confirm and expand on these findings.
