Parakaryon myojinensis is a single-celled organism known by a unique example. "[T]his organism appears to be a life form distinct from prokaryotes and eukaryotes", with features of both.
Contents
Classification
It is not clear whether P. myojinensis can be classified as either a eukaryote or a prokaryote, the two kinds of organisms known so far.
The newly discovered organism has a nucleus and other endosymbionts (organisms living within other cells), so would appear to be a eukaryote. However the nuclear membrane is a single layer, not a double layer as in other eukaryotes, and the DNA is stored in filaments as in bacteria, which are prokaryotes. So this organism has not been classified as either a eukaryote or a prokaryote.
Adding to the difficulties of classification, only one instance of this organism has been discovered to date. So scientists have not been able to observe it further.
Name
The generic name, Parakaryon comes from Greek παρα (next to) and [Eu]karyota and reflects its position between eu- and prokaryotes. The specific name, myojinensis reflects the locality where the samples have been collected: the hydrothermal vents at the Myōjin Knoll (明神海丘, 32°06.2′N, 139°52.1′E) off the coast of Japan at a depth of 1240 m.