How Tardigrades Use Cryptobiosis — Reading Comprehension

Imagine being able to survive without food or water for decades, withstand freezing temperatures, boiling heat, and even the vacuum of space. It sounds like something from a science fiction movie, but it's a real ability possessed by tiny creatures called tardigrades. Also known as "water bears" or "moss piglets," these microscopic animals are famous for their incredible resilience.

Tardigrades achieve their amazing feats through a process called cryptobiosis. This is a special state of suspended animation where the tardigrade's metabolism, or all the chemical processes that keep it alive, slows down to an almost undetectable level. It's like pressing a pause button on life itself. They can enter this state when their environment becomes too harsh to survive normally.

One common type of cryptobiosis is anhydrobiosis, which means "life without water." When their habitat dries out, tardigrades pull in their heads and legs, shriveling into a compact, barrel-shaped form called a "tun." Inside this tun, they produce a special sugar called trehalose, which protects their cells and DNA from damage. They can remain in this dry, inactive state for many years, waiting for water to return. When it does, they rehydrate and spring back to life, sometimes within minutes!

But cryptobiosis isn't just about surviving drought. Tardigrades can also withstand extremely cold temperatures, a process called cryobiosis. They can survive being frozen solid for long periods. Similarly, osmobiosis helps them endure very salty conditions, and anoxybiosis allows them to survive without oxygen. These different forms of cryptobiosis are amazing examples of how organisms have feedback mechanisms that allow them to survive extreme conditions.

These tiny creatures, often less than a millimeter long, show us how life can adapt to the most challenging environments. Their ability to practically halt their life processes and restart them later is a testament to the incredible diversity and toughness of life on Earth. Scientists study tardigrades to understand how their cells are protected, hoping to apply this knowledge to things like preserving medicines or even for long-term space travel.

Interesting Fact: Tardigrades are the first known animal to survive exposure to the vacuum of space, enduring both radiation and zero pressure outside of a spacecraft.

What are tardigrades also known as?

What does anhydrobiosis mean?

Which state protects tardigrade cells and DNA?

Why do tardigrades enter cryptobiosis?

How do tardigrades protect their cells during anhydrobiosis?

Which term describes metabolism slowing down?

What does cryptobiosis allow tardigrades to do?

If a tardigrade is in a 'tun' state, what is likely true?

Cryptobiosis helps tardigrades survive extreme conditions.

What does 'resilience' mean in the passage?