Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 3, 2026

Single-Animal, Single-Tube RNA Extraction for Comparison of Relative Transcript Levels via qRT-PCR in the Tardigrade Hypsibius exemplaris
Published on: January 3, 2025
Anhydrobiosis in tardigrades--the last decade
Weronika Wełnicz1, Markus A Grohme, Lukasz Kaczmarek
1Molecular Biology and Functional Genome Analysis, University of Applied Sciences Wildau, Germany. wwelnicz@th-wildau.de
Abstract:
The current state of knowledge about anhydrobiosis in tardigrades is presented. In response to adverse environmental conditions tardigrades arrest their metabolic activity and after complete dehydration enter the so-called "tun" state. In this ametabolic state they are able to tolerate exposure to various chemical and physical extremes. These micrometazoans have evolved various kinds of morphological, physiological and molecular adaptations to reduce the effects of desiccation. In this review we address behavioral adaptation, morphological features and molecules which determine the anhydrobiotic survival. The influence of the time spent in anhydrobiotic state on the lifespan and DNA and the role of the antioxidant defense system are also considered. Finally we summarize recent input from the "omics" sciences.
Related Concept Videos
Hyperthermophilic Bacteria
Diversity of Archaea III
Osmoregulation in Insects
Microbial Mats
Diversity of Archaea IV
Diversity of Archaea II

