CRYPTOBIOSIS Meaning and
Definition
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Cryptobiosis is a biological phenomenon exhibited by certain organisms, allowing them to enter a state of extreme dormancy in response to unfavorable environmental conditions. Derived from the Greek words "kryptos" meaning hidden and "bios" meaning life, cryptobiosis describes the ability of these organisms to essentially suspend their metabolic activities and become metabolically inactive until the conditions improve.
During cryptobiosis, the body functions of the organism slow down to an undetectable level, and it becomes highly resistant to desiccation, extreme temperatures, lack of food, and other adverse conditions. This unique adaptation enables the organism to survive and withstand environmental stressors that would otherwise be fatal. While in a cryptobiotic state, the organism does not undergo growth or reproduction. However, once conditions become favorable, the organism reactivates metabolic processes and resumes its active life cycle.
Cryptobiosis is observed in various organisms including certain plants, animals, and microorganisms such as tardigrades, nematodes, rotifers, and seeds of some plants. These organisms produce protective molecules and undergo physiological changes that allow them to tolerate extreme conditions. The mechanisms behind cryptobiosis involve the synthesis of protective proteins, accumulation of specific sugars, dehydration of the cells, and structural modifications.
The study of cryptobiosis has important implications in various fields such as medicine, agriculture, and astrobiology. Understanding the mechanisms and adaptations involved in cryptobiosis could potentially contribute to the development of strategies to enhance the survival of organisms under extreme conditions or during long-duration space missions.
Common Misspellings for CRYPTOBIOSIS
- xryptobiosis
- vryptobiosis
- fryptobiosis
- dryptobiosis
- ceyptobiosis
- cdyptobiosis
- cfyptobiosis
- ctyptobiosis
- c5yptobiosis
- c4yptobiosis
- crtptobiosis
- crgptobiosis
- crhptobiosis
- cruptobiosis
- cr7ptobiosis
- cr6ptobiosis
- cryotobiosis
- cryltobiosis
- cry-tobiosis
Etymology of CRYPTOBIOSIS
The word "cryptobiosis" was coined in 1943 by the British zoologist William Astbury. It is derived from two Greek roots: "kryptos", meaning "hidden" or "concealed", and "biosis", meaning "mode of life" or "way of living". Thus, cryptobiosis literally translates to "hidden way of life" or "concealed state of living". The term was initially used to describe the unique biological phenomenon of invertebrates' ability to enter a state of suspended animation in response to extreme environmental conditions.
Similar spelling words for CRYPTOBIOSIS
- cryptococcosis,
- cryptogamia,
- cryptorchism,
- cryptorchidy,
- cryptobiotic,
- cryptomeria,
- cryptogamous,
- cryptobranchus,
- cryptologic,
- crepitation,
- cryptologist,
- cryptotis,
- cryptanalysis,
- cryptogamic,
- cryptobioses,
- cryptorchidism.
