Survival and DNA degradation in anhydrobiotic tardigrades

• DOI: 10.1242/jeb.033266
• Publication Date: 2009-11-28T04:10:46Z
• Authors: L. Rebecchi; M. Cesari; T. Altiero; A. Frigieri; R. Guidetti
• Keywords: Cryptobiosis; Tardigrade; Tardigrada; Plant litter; Desiccation Tolerance

Anhydrobiosis is a highly stable state of suspended animation in an organism due to its desiccation, which followed by recovery after rehydration. Changes occurring during drying could damage molecules, including DNA. Using the anhydrobiotic tardigrade Paramacrobiotus richtersi as model organism, we have evaluated effects environmental factors, such temperature and air humidity level (RH), on survival desiccated animals degradation their Tardigrades naturally leaf litter tardigrades experimentally blotting paper were considered. Replicates kept at 37 degrees C different levels RH for 21 days. values temperature, well time exposure these negative effect required recover active life desiccation. DNA damages (revealed single strand breaks) occurred only long high values. These results indicate that state, take place accumulate with time. Two hypotheses can be formulated explain results: (i) oxidative occur specimens P. richtersi, (ii) temperatures change disaccharide trehalose, reducing protective role.