Daily Current Affairs : 28-October-2024
Tardigrades, often called “water bears” or “moss piglets,” are microscopic creatures known for their remarkable ability to survive extreme conditions. These tiny, eight-legged animals are among the hardiest life forms on Earth. They can live in various environments, from the freezing cold of the Arctic to the dry, high-altitude deserts. What makes tardigrades even more fascinating is their ability to endure harsh radiation, extreme temperatures, and dehydration. Recent research into a newly discovered species, Hypsibius henanensis, has unveiled how these creatures can resist radiation in ways that could have significant applications for space travel, nuclear cleanup, and cancer therapy.
Tardigrades’ Resilience: Nature’s Extreme Survivors
Tardigrades are found all over the planet, in terrestrial, marine, and freshwater environments. They have the ability to survive:
- Extreme temperatures: From -272°C to 150°C.
- Radiation: They can endure high doses of radiation that would normally destroy most living organisms.
- Long periods without food or water: Some tardigrades can survive in a dried, lifeless state for decades and revive when conditions improve.
Their small size, typically less than 1mm long, and unique physiology make them fascinating. Despite their size, tardigrades are multicellular creatures with complex systems, unlike single-celled organisms.
Hypsibius Henanensis: The Radiation-Resistant Tardigrade
A new species of tardigrades, Hypsibius henanensis, has shown an even greater ability to resist radiation. Researchers have discovered the mechanisms behind its extraordinary survival skills, which involve complex genetic and biochemical processes.
Genetic Adaptation
This species has a large genome with 14,701 genes, about 30% of which are unique to tardigrades. These genes are activated in response to radiation and help the creature repair its DNA.
DNA Repair Mechanisms
One of the key proteins involved in this process is TRID1. This protein helps to repair DNA double-strand breaks caused by radiation. This repair mechanism allows the tardigrade to recover from the harmful effects of radiation much more effectively than most organisms.
Antioxidant Proteins and Mitochondrial Function
Tardigrades also produce antioxidant pigments known as betalains, which neutralize harmful chemicals generated by radiation. Additionally, the production of special proteins supports mitochondrial function and further aids DNA repair. Together, these processes enhance the tardigrades’ survival and make them incredibly resilient to radiation damage.
Potential Applications
The radiation resistance of Hypsibius henanensis could have important applications for:
- Space Travel: Protecting astronauts from harmful radiation in outer space.
- Nuclear Cleanup: Assisting in the clean-up of radioactive sites by developing resilient organisms or technology.
- Cancer Therapy: Understanding tardigrades’ DNA repair mechanisms could lead to better treatments for cancer, where DNA damage is a major concern.
Important Points:
Tardigrades: Extraordinary Survivors
- Tardigrades, also called “water bears” or “moss piglets,” are tiny, resilient creatures.
- Found in terrestrial, marine, and freshwater environments worldwide.
- Survive extreme conditions, such as:
- Temperatures from -272°C to 150°C.
- Radiation levels that would normally destroy most organisms.
- Long periods without food or water (can revive after decades).
Hypsibius Henanensis: The Radiation-Resistant Tardigrade
- Hypsibius henanensis is a newly discovered species with enhanced radiation resistance.
- Has a genome of 14,701 genes, with 30% unique to tardigrades.
- Under radiation exposure, specific genes are activated to protect and repair DNA.
Key Mechanisms of Radiation Resistance
- TRID1 protein repairs DNA double-strand breaks caused by radiation.
- Antioxidant pigments (betalains) neutralize harmful chemicals generated by radiation.
- Produces proteins that support mitochondrial function and enhance DNA repair.
Potential Applications
- Space Travel: Protect astronauts from harmful space radiation.
- Nuclear Cleanup: Develop organisms or technology for radioactive site clean-up.
- Cancer Therapy: Use tardigrades’ DNA repair mechanisms to improve cancer treatments.
Why In News
Researchers have uncovered the mechanisms behind the exceptional radiation resistance of a newly identified species of tardigrades, Hypsibius henanensis, which may pave the way for innovative applications in space travel, nuclear cleanup, and cancer therapy, offering potential solutions to some of the most challenging problems in science and medicine.
MCQs about Tardigrades
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What is the primary reason tardigrades, especially Hypsibius henanensis, are of interest to scientists?
A. Their ability to live without oxygen
B. Their resistance to extreme temperatures
C. Their resistance to radiation
D. Their ability to live underwater for years
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Which of the following helps Hypsibius henanensis repair DNA damage caused by radiation?
A. Betalains
B. TRID1 protein
C. Mitochondrial dysfunction proteins
D. Antioxidant pigments
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What are the environments where tardigrades are commonly found?
A. Only in tropical rainforests
B. In both terrestrial and aquatic environments
C. Only in underwater caves
D. Only in deep-sea environments
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What is the potential benefit of studying the radiation resistance of *Hypsibius henanensis*?
A. To improve farming techniques
B. To develop better space suits for astronauts
C. To help in space travel, nuclear cleanup, and cancer therapy
D. To create a new species of tardigrades for study
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