Tardigrades Protect Their DNA to Resist Radiation and Chemicals

A recent study on the resilient tardigrades, AKA water bears, reveals why they are known as being practically immortal and can live in the most extreme environments including space. Scientists have discovered that the DNA of tardigrades is shrouded in a protein layer that blocks and repels harmful hydroxyl radicals. Hydroxyl radicals are molecules made of hydrogen and oxygen that damage DNA. The protein layer is described as a "cloud of cotton candy" that wounds around histones. Scientists have identified the protein as Dsup which stands for damage suppressor. Scientist speculate that they evolved this protein to protect their DNA when they dry up which occurs frequently. While dried up, they go into a no responsive state where they are more vulnerable to hydroxyl radicals. Researchers have found similar proteins in DNA that have a similar function.

In my opinion. this discovery is super fascinating. I also find it fascinating how they found a similar protein in humans. Maybe these water bears developed a worse version of the protein and evolved a better version. Maybe that is the next step in evolution for humans. Its exciting to wonder what is possible when you see something as amazing as this naturally appear in nature.

https://www.sciencenews.org/article/tardigrades-dna-damage-radiation-death
https://elifesciences.org/articles/47682

How a Water Bear Survives, Even When It’s Dry

The water bear is a microscopic animal that can survive being boiled, frozen, exposed to radiation, and dried out. Reseachers believed that the sugar trehalose was the key in preserving their cells but recently scientist discovered a different gene that created a protein called tardigrades- specific intrinsically disorder protein (TDPs) which keeps the water bear alive within all types of condition. Tardigrades- specific intrinsically disorder protein would activate during anhydrobiosis and when disrupting the gene that creates TDPs, the water bear would no longer survive extreme conditions. The protein would slow down the metabolism and create a grasslike matrix to preserve them until they are rehydrated and capable of performing they're normal function. 

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New York Times Here