The American Naturalist · 1971 · 192 citations · 0 references
Life SciencesBiologyDevelopmental BiologyMetabolismPhysiological EcologyPlant BiochemistryDesiccation ToleranceDormancy BreakingEnergy MetabolismLife-history PhysiologyNematode PhysiologySecondary MetabolismDormancy In NematodesDormancy StagesDormancy TransitionMetabolic Adjustments During DesiccationMicrobial DormancyMorphological Adaptations For Water RelationsNematode Metabolism
The reversible cessation of metabolism and growth is a unique biological state. There are two types of organisms which are normally capable of of entering this state (cryptobiosis): (1) propagules of certain organisms and (2) certain rotifers, tardigrades, and nematodes. The latter group of organisms offer a unique opportunity to study the discontinuity of life processes, uncomplicated by simultaneous developmental processes and complex endogenous factors such as those responsible for the maintenance of dormancy. Working hypotheses and lines of research are pointed out in the areas of (1) metabolism during anhydrobiosis, (2) biochemical adaptations to desiccation, (3) morphological adaptations to desiccation.