🔬Scientists have discovered a natural fractal in a bacterium called Cus elongatus.
🧬This fractal is the smallest and most complex ever observed in nature.
🔄The fractal formation is believed to be a result of accidental and asymmetrical protein assembly.
❓The purpose of this fractal is still unknown and requires further research.
🌱The bacterium Cus elongatus is a common organism in genetic studies and holds potential for various applications.
What is a fractal?
—A fractal is a mathematical object that exhibits self-similarity and repetitive patterns at different scales. Natural examples of fractals include snowflakes and river valleys.
Why is this fractal significant?
—The discovery of this fractal in biology is significant because it is the smallest and most complex ever observed in nature. It challenges our understanding of protein assembly and could have implications for future research and applications.
What is Cus elongatus?
—Cus elongatus is a bacterium that resembles yeast and is commonly used in genetic studies. It is particularly important in research related to energy production in cells.
How was the fractal discovered?
—The fractal was discovered accidentally while scientists were studying the structure of the microbial enzyme present in Cus elongatus. Electron microscopes revealed the presence of the Sierpinski Triangle fractal.
Does the fractal serve any purpose?
—The purpose of this fractal is still unknown. Initial experiments showed that genetically modifying the bacterium to not produce the fractal did not have a significant impact on its growth and function.
00:00Fractals are mathematical objects that exhibit self-similarity and repetitive patterns at different scales.
02:11Scientists accidentally discovered the smallest and most complex natural fractal in the bacterium Cus elongatus.
04:23The fractal formation is the result of accidental and asymmetrical protein assembly.
06:30The purpose of the fractal is still unknown and requires further research.
10:40The bacterium Cus elongatus holds potential for genetic studies and various applications.
