Plantae kingdom is full of plants (a living organism) that live and harness energy from the light of the sun. These groups include similar and familiar organisms like trees, herbs, grasses, algae, etc. They all live with the help of photosynthesis.
Has anyone ever wondered to put solar panels on the body to harness energy from the sun? Here is an amazing creature called ‘Elysia chlorotica’ algae which are on the verge of extinction. Well, every life has a different pattern, Plants getting energy from the sun which helps them in the process of photosynthesis. These sea slugs can be seen living off the U.S coast.
These creatures have a mechanism to absorb energy into their body called ‘chloroplast’ which turns them green in color. This is caused due to the distribution of chloroplast. According to some scientists and researchers, these unique creatures are known as ‘Solar-powered Sea Slugs’ which looks like a leaf and can survive up to 9 months without eating. This happens due to Photosynthesis, just like a plant while exposing their self under the sunlight.
Here’s a quick video of this unique creature.
As they are on the verge of extinction, it is becoming very difficult for scientists to perform any study or research on them. They have an incredible ability to steal any class of small organelles in the cytoplasm of a plant cells which contain food.
A team of scientists used RNA sequencing to test their solar energy supply hypothesis. The data showed that the sea slug responded actively to the test, thereby also revealing the food-stealing ability.
However these slugs use very less energy and restrict their self to find food.
Because of photosynthesis, these slugs don’t waste their energy. As these slugs are unable to synthesize their own chloroplast, the ability to steal and feed on others maintains the energy level for a long period of time. A study has already confirmed their state of living for a long period of time. The nuclear gene that provides photosynthesis is found in the slug genome and is similar to the algae family.
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