Microbiology Essay -- Cryptobiosis, NASA

The get of microbiology is an intense endeavor, requiring students to relieve oneself a great deal of focus, and sometimes a bit of imagination. When observing things under a microscope, they often look every in all different than what is seen with the naked eye. This is fascinating, yet frustrating, as trying to make associations to ones ingrained knowledge becomes challenging. Hypsibius dujardini is a microscopic animal from the phylum Tardigrada that is commonly called a water bear (Mach, 2011). When viewed microscopically, this eight-legged, water dwelling animal appears to be base on balls slowly, same(p) a bear that we are familiar with on a macroscopic level (Piper, 2007). Despite their cute and cuddly name, water bears, like Hypsibius dujardini are true extremophiles, surviving in some of the harshest conditions that exist (Mobjerg, et al., 2011). From temperatures come up absolute zero to the vacuum of space, these astounding microorganisms are almost unconquerable (M ach, 2011). The state which allows a tardigrade to withstand extreme conditions is termed cryptobiosis (Gabriel, et al., 2007). When the outside environment is unfavorable, the tardigrade willingly submits to this inactive metabolic form, and is termed a tun (Mobjerg et al., 2011). There are five types of cryptobiosis, all of which are in result to a particular environmental deficiency (Wharton, 2002). Anhydrobiosis takes place when there is a lack of water, Anoxybiosis occurs when there is limited oxygen, Chemobiosis is the response to excessive environmental toxins, Cryobiosis is a result of decreased temperature, and lastly, Osmobiosis happens when an increased solute submergence occurs in the organisms environment (Wharton, 2002). Although many organisms can enter a sing... ... storage, without destruction, at a low temperature, which allows future observation. The Goldstein Lab at UNC Chapel cumulation has surely proven that Hypsibius dujardini is a useful laboratory spec ies. Although reference to tardigrades conciliate back to Anton van Leeuwenhok, a father of microbiological studies, there is a effective modern-day following that continues to exist today (Mach, 2011). Microbiologists around the world have grown fond of the water bear and its amazing survival skills. beyond that, the appearance of the microorganism captivates peoples hearts. I believe that with further research by NASA and other institutions, like The Goldstein Lab, Hypsibius dujardini can make a lasting concern on our society. Whether that be by proving evolution, or providing tools for human preservation, we can certainly utilize these great microorganisms to our advantage.