Function
Tardigrades (Ramazzottius varieornatus), informally known as water bears, are viewed as the most resilient organisms on the planet. They have the capability to shut down metabolic processes and undergo anydrobiosis, a dehydrated state in which they can exist even in the vacuum of space. One of the secrets to their success may be 5xn9, a secreted heat soluble protein. The protein shields organelles and extracellular components during dehydration to improve desiccation tolerance and prevent crystallization.
Relevance
Structural highlights
