How do tardigrades survive the vacuum of space if…
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How do tardigrades survive the vacuum of space if metabolic processes require liquid water?
I know tardigrades enter a state called cryptobiosis where they dehydrate and essentially suspend their metabolism to survive extreme environments, including space.
But at a molecular level, how do their cellular structures remain intact without collapsing or denaturing when all water is removed?
What prevents their DNA from fracturing completely in the absence of a fluid cellular matrix?
Are there specific protectant proteins involved that replace water's structural role?
#science
I know tardigrades enter a state called cryptobiosis where they dehydrate and essentially suspend their metabolism to survive extreme environments, including space.
But at a molecular level, how do their cellular structures remain intact without collapsing or denaturing when all water is removed?
What prevents their DNA from fracturing completely in the absence of a fluid cellular matrix?
Are there specific protectant proteins involved that replace water's structural role?
#science
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