- Tardigrades also called water bears and moss piglets, are microscopic eight-legged creatures without a backbone.
- They have a remarkable ability to survive in extreme environments, including radioactive areas.
- They can also survive starvation, lack of air and water, and sub-zero temperatures.
- DODA1 Gene: Tardigrades need it to synthesise betalains, a type of antioxidant pigment that could protect the tardigrades’ cells against radiation damage.
- TRID1 Gene: It plays a role in repairing damaged DNA mediated by phase separation.
- NDUFB8 is associated with mitochondrial function.
- The earliest known Tardigrade fossils date from around 90 million years ago, in the Cretaceous Period.
- Molecular dating suggests they originated at least 600 million years ago.
- When facing hostile environments, tardigrades can enter a state called cryptobiosis, effectively pausing almost all their biological processes and lingering in a state of suspended animation.
- This peculiar state allows them to tolerate extreme dryness, intense radiation, and freezing.
- Understanding the tardigrade species holds a wide array of applications like protecting astronauts from radiation during space missions, cleaning up nuclear pollution or improving cancer treatment in future.
| Marine Tardigrade Species found in India: Researchers at Cochin University of Science and Technology (CUSAT) have discovered Batillipes kalami and Batillipes chandrayaani, marine tardigrade species from southern Tamil Nadu. Batillipes kalami is the second marine tardigrade found in Indian waters, the first from the east coast, and the first taxonomically described Batillipes species in India. Batillipes chandrayaani was discovered in the same region and named after India’s Chandrayaan-3 moon mission. These discoveries enhance the understanding of marine tardigrade diversity and their ecological role in Indian coastal waters. |
| Aspect | Cryptobiosis | Hibernation |
| Definition | A state of undetectable metabolic activity in response to extreme conditions. | A lowered metabolic state during harsh months for survival. |
| Duration | Can last for millennia. | Lasts several months. |
| Examples of Organisms | Nematodes, some plants. | Bears, rodents, reptiles. |
| Mechanism | Uses trehalose to protect DNA, cells, and proteins from degradation. | Relies on stored energy during less harsh months for basic metabolic needs. |
| State | A state between life and death. | Similar to deep sleep. |
Dig Deeper: Read about potential of tardigrades in context of Human Health.
