As a subject matter expert in the field of microbiology, I can provide you with an informed answer regarding the smallest living organisms known to science.

The smallest living things in the world are generally considered to be microscopic, with many of them being bacteria or certain types of microscopic animals. However, when it comes to the absolute smallest, the title often goes to bacteria in the genus Mycoplasma. These bacteria lack a cell wall, which allows them to be extremely small, with some species measuring less than 0.2 to 0.3 micrometers in diameter. It's important to note that the definition of "living thing" can vary, and there are other contenders for the title, such as some viruses, which are even smaller but are a subject of debate in terms of being considered living organisms due to their lack of cellular structure and ability to reproduce without a host.

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Mycoplasma genitalium. Mycoplasma genitalium, a parasitic bacterium which lives in the primate bladder, waste disposal organs, genital, and respiratory tracts, is thought to be the smallest known organism capable of independent growth and reproduction.read more >>