Desiccation of Hypsibius exemplaris

Cold Spring Harb Protoc. 2018 Nov 1;2018(11). doi: 10.1101/pdb.prot102327.

Abstract

Many species of tardigrades can survive severe water loss, but different species tolerate different desiccation conditions. Hypsibius exemplaris is able to survive desiccation after an initial period of slow drying, as described here. This protocol will likely work for other tardigrade species as well. Drying of tardigrades can be used for probing the mechanistic underpinnings of desiccation tolerance, as well as for practical purposes such as shipping and long-term storage of the animals.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, Non-P.H.S.

MeSH terms

  • Adaptation, Physiological / physiology*
  • Animals
  • Culture Techniques / instrumentation
  • Culture Techniques / methods
  • Desiccation / instrumentation*
  • Desiccation / methods*
  • Humidity
  • Tardigrada / physiology*