"Algal Evolution: Discovery of Nitrogen-Fixing Organelle"
Scientists have discovered the first nitrogen-fixing organelle within a eukaryotic cell, challenging the conventional belief that only bacteria can perform nitrogen fixation. The organelle, named nitroplast, was found in a marine alga and is the result of a rare process called primary endosymbiosis. This discovery provides new insights into organelle origins, evolutionary perspectives, and potential applications in agriculture, while also shedding light on the importance of nitrogen fixation in ocean ecosystems.