The resistance and survival capacity of certain living beings has always intrigued the human mind, and scientific research has sought to identify which are the greatest survivors in extreme conditions.
Among the candidates for this title, the bacterium Deinococcus radiodurans and the tardigrade managed to overcome the cockroaches to become the holders of the title of the toughest creatures on planet Earth. Know more!
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A Deinococcus radiodurans was appointed by a study published in the journal Science as the most resistant living being in the world.
Such bacterium can withstand high levels of radiation, being able to withstand 1.5 million rads. This makes it 3,000 times more tolerant of radiation than humans.
This level of resistance is possible thanks to a ring that protects the bacteria's DNA, allowing it to it repairs over two hundred DNA breaks, while other organisms can only recover up to five.
In addition Deinococcus radiodurans can survive dehydration and high temperatures, reinforcing its reputation as super-resistant.
despite the Deinococcus radiodurans, when talking about the toughest animal on Earth, the tardigrade has the first place on the podium. Also known as a “water bear”, this microanimal has the incredible ability to enter into cryptobiosis.
This ability consists of dehydrating the body itself and putting itself into a state of dormancy, allowing it to survive for long periods without water or nutrients.
(Source: Guide for Science Enthusiasts – UFABC/Reproduction)
In a scientific experiment carried out in 2007, tardigrades were taken to Earth's orbit aboard the FOTON-M3 space mission and exposed to extreme conditions in space.
On the journey, they were subjected to cosmic radiation, vacuums and extreme temperature variations. Surprisingly, most of them survived this extreme space experiment.
Therefore, it is established that, while the bacterium Deinococcus radiodurans stands out as the champion of resistance among microorganisms, the tardigrade assumes the title of the most resistant animal in the world. planet.
