Nannites

Nannites (also sometimes referred to as nannobacteria, nano-organisms, or nanoparticles of biogenic origin) are extremely small structures, often proposed to be living bacteria, ranging in size from approximately 20 to 200 nanometers. This size is significantly smaller than traditionally accepted limits for cellular life. The existence and biogenic origin of nannites are highly controversial within the scientific community.

Proponents of nannite biogenicity argue that these structures exhibit features suggestive of life, such as cell-like morphology, the presence of DNA or RNA, and the ability to replicate or grow. They suggest nannites could represent a previously unrecognized domain of ultra-small life or remnants of ancient microbial activity. Nannites have been found in various geological formations, including carbonate rocks, meteorites (like ALH84001), and deep-sea sediments.

However, the biogenic origin of nannites is widely disputed. Critics argue that many features attributed to life can also be explained by abiotic processes. They point out that the claimed DNA or RNA content is often very low and potentially attributable to contamination. Additionally, the observed "growth" or "replication" could be due to the aggregation of inorganic materials or the formation of mineral structures that mimic cellular forms. The small size of nannites also raises questions about whether they could contain the necessary biological machinery for independent life.

The study of nannites involves various techniques, including electron microscopy, spectroscopic analysis, and molecular biology methods. Distinguishing between biogenic and abiogenic nanostructures is a major challenge, and requires careful characterization of their composition, structure, and origin. Further research is needed to definitively determine the nature of nannites and their potential role in biological and geological processes. The question of their existence as living organisms remains an open area of scientific investigation.