Asgard archaea

Asgard archaea are a recently discovered group of microorganisms that belong to the domain Archaea, which are single-celled organisms distinct from bacteria and eukaryotes. They are found in extreme environments like deep-sea vents and hot springs. What makes Asgard archaea notable is their genetic makeup, which contains genes similar to those of eukaryotes—organisms with complex cells like plants and animals. Scientists believe they may hold clues about the evolution of complex life because of these similarities, providing insights into how eukaryotic cells might have originated from simpler ancestors.