Microbiology Essay -- Cryptobiosis, NASA

The study of microbiology is an intense endeavor, requiring students to have a majuscule deal of focus, and sometimes a bit of imagination. When observing things under a microscope, they often look entirely different than what is seen with the naked eye. This is fascinating, yet frustrating, as trying to brand associations to ones inherent knowledge becomes challenging. Hypsibius dujardini is a microscopic animal from the phylum Tardigrada that is commonly called a water carry on (Mach, 2011). When viewed microscopically, this eight-legged, water worry animal appears to be walking slowly, like a bear that we be familiar with on a macroscopic level (Piper, 2007). Despite their sly 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 near absolute zero to the vacuum of space, these astonish microorganisms are almost invincible (Mach, 2011). The state whic h allows a tardigrade to withstand intense 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). thither are five types of cryptobiosis, all of which are in response to a particular environmental inadequacy (Wharton, 2002). Anhydrobiosis takes place when there is a pretermit of water, Anoxybiosis occurs when there is limited oxygen, Chemobiosis is the response to excessive environmental toxins, Cryobiosis is a response of decreased temperature, and lastly, Osmobiosis happens when an increased solute concentration occurs in the organisms environment (Wharton, 2002). Although many organisms posterior enter a sing... ... storage, without destruction, at a low temperature, which allows future observation. The Goldstein laboratory at UNC Chapel Hill has certainly proven that Hypsibius dujardini is a useable laboratory speci es. Although reference to tardigrades root back to Anton van Leeuwenhok, a sky pilot of microbiological studies, there is a powerful modern-day following that continues to exist at once (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 reckon that with further research by NASA and other institutions, like The Goldstein Lab, Hypsibius dujardini can make a lasting impact 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.