X-Message-Number: 9614
Date: Mon, 4 May 1998 05:32:28 -0700 (PDT)
From: Doug Skrecky <>
Subject: anhydrobiosis

Authors
  Crowe JH.  Hoekstra FA.  Crowe LM.
Institution
  Department of Zoology, University of California, Davis 95616.
Title
  Anhydrobiosis. [Review] [114 refs]
Source
  Annual Review of Physiology.  54:579-99, 1992.
Abstract
  We believe we have established the major principles governing the
  stabilization of living cells in the unique condition known as
  anhydrobiosis. These findings have permitted us to design
  ways to stabilize membrane vesicles, liposomes, and proteins, and perhaps
  eventually even intact cells that do not normally survive dehydration. In a
  complex phenomenon as ancient as anhydrobiosis, one would
  expect a myriad of adaptations to be required for survival of drying. But the
  arguments presented here suggest that a single perturbation--synthesis of a
  disaccharide such as trehalose or sucrose--is sufficient to achieve survival.
  We hasten to add, however, that it is now certain that additional adaptations
  are required; for instance, cells containing highly unsaturated lipids may
  survive drying for a short time, but they are so susceptible to degradation
  that they survive for a short time only. Thus the interpretation placed on
  the finding that trehalose can stabilize dry membranes must be regarded from
  this perspective as well. Nevertheless, we believe that the underlying
  physical principles governing stability of dry biological materials are
  universal. [References: 114]

Rate This Message: http://www.cryonet.org/cgi-bin/rate.cgi?msg=9614