Microbiology

The study of microbiology is an intense endeavor, requiring students to have a great 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 make associations to one's inherent knowledge becomes challenging. Hypsibius dujardini is a microscopic animal from the phylum Tardigrada that is commonly called a water bear (Mach, 2011). When viewed microscopically, this eight-legged, water dwelling animal appears to be walking slowly, like a bear that we are familiar with on a macroscopic level (Piper, 2007). Despite their cute 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 astounding microorganisms are almost invincible (Mach, 2011).

The state which allows a tardigrade to withstand extreme 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).” There 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 lack of water, Anoxybiosis occurs when there is limited oxygen, Chemobiosis is the response to excessive environmental toxins, Cryobiosis is a result of decreased temperature, and lastly, Osmobiosis happens when an increased solute concentration occurs in the organisms environment (Wharton, 2002).

Although many organisms can enter a sing...

... middle of paper ...

... storage, without destruction, at a low temperature, which allows future observation. The Goldstein Lab at UNC Chapel Hill has certainly proven that Hypsibius dujardini is a useful laboratory species.

Although reference to tardigrades root back to Anton van Leeuwenhok, a father of microbiological studies, there is a powerful modern-day following that continues to exist today (Mach, 2011). Microbiologists around the world have grown fond of the water bear and it's amazing survival skills. Beyond that, the appearance of the microorganism captivates people's hearts. I believe 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.