Anhydrobiosis
Anhydrobiosis
Anhydrobiosis (pronounced: an-hy-dro-bi-o-sis) is a biological phenomenon exhibited by certain organisms, allowing them to survive in a state of extreme desiccation. The term is derived from the Greek words 'an' meaning without, 'hydro' meaning water, and 'biosis' meaning life.
Etymology
The term 'Anhydrobiosis' is derived from three Greek words: 'an' (without), 'hydro' (water), and 'biosis' (life). It was first used in the late 19th century to describe the ability of certain organisms to survive in a state of extreme desiccation.
Definition
Anhydrobiosis is a state of suspended animation that certain organisms enter when they are exposed to extreme desiccation. In this state, the metabolic activities of the organism are reduced to an undetectable level, allowing it to survive without water for extended periods of time. Once water is reintroduced, the organism can quickly resume normal metabolic activity.
Related Terms
- Cryptobiosis: A physiological state in which metabolic activity is reduced to an undetectable level, often in response to extreme environmental conditions. Anhydrobiosis is a form of cryptobiosis.
- Tardigrade: A phylum of water-dwelling, eight-legged, segmented micro-animals, known for their ability to enter a state of anhydrobiosis.
- Desiccation: The state of extreme dryness, or the process of extreme drying. Anhydrobiosis is a survival mechanism against desiccation.
- Metabolism: The set of life-sustaining chemical reactions in organisms. The metabolic rate drops to an undetectable level during anhydrobiosis.
See Also
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Anhydrobiosis
- Wikipedia's article - Anhydrobiosis
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