Tardigrades: How Do They Survive Decades Without Water?

THE tardigradealso known as water bearsare tiny 8-legged invertebrates that can survive up to 30 years without them food or wateralso resistant to extreme conditions such as too high or low temperatures or even in the empty space. when dehydrated, the tardigrades wither and take on a defined round shape Tun.

Tardigrades are known as the near-immortal creatures. It is believed that these could disappear just when the sun does not become a red giant. The research, conducted by Professor Takekazu Kunieda from the University of Tokyo focused on eutardigradesa certain type of water bear.

While water is essential for all living things, some tardigrades may be able to live for decades without water.

After testing several species, we found that heat-soluble cytoplasmic proteins (CAHS), unique to tardigrades, are responsible for protecting their cells from desiccation.

Takekazu Kunieda

The CAHS proteins they are thus responsible for the strengthening of the cells as opposed to the contraction due to the loss of water. The research was not easy, as water-based color systems are used to understand how certain proteins work. To avoid false results, the methanol.