Water bears or moss piglets, they also go by the popular name “The Tardigrade”. This microscopic tough creature is far more resilient than you think he is. Relating closely to many arthropods, this phylum is an extremophile; a survivor to the dangers of the Earth’s harshest environments. If you think you could survive an apocalypse, try competing with these guys!
Understanding the phenomena of how the Tardigrade utilizes proteins in its body called, “Damage Suppressors” exhibits how they tackle such unimaginable conditions. This “Dsup” protein enables them to protect their DNA in order to survive absolute zero, x6 the pressure, as well as deep water bodies. What’s even more interesting is how they under go Cryptobiosis. A mouthful, I know, but all it takes for them to reach this state of inactivity is a simple trigger allowing the Tardigrade to expel every ounce of water from their body to achieve a state of dormancy. Their existence dates back even before the dinosaurs by a whopping 400 million years! With nothing more than 6 claws, a tough cuticle covering, and a unique mouthpart to suck nutrients, this critter is indestructible.
However, as humans, there are a few minor hazards we need to look out for. When exposed to radiation, the cells in living organisms convert into dangerous Hydroxyl Radicals. Not only does it rupture and destroy our DNA, but could lead to cancer too. However, this water bear never fails to surprise us, the Dsup protein creates a protective layer on the outside by binding itself to the chromatin in which their DNA is wrapped inside. This ultimately prevents the highly reactive Hydroxyl Radical from coming into contact with the DNA and altering the water bear’s genome.
The next break though in biotechnology could be the Tardigrade. By mimicking their form of protection, they could lead us to bigger opportunities: cell-based therapies or maybe, just maybe, the next microscopic creatures in space.
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