Cryptobiosis
[object Object]
A state of suspended animation where metabolism drops to undetectable levels. Literally 'hidden life'—the organism shows no visible signs of life yet remains capable of revival when conditions improve.
Biological Context
Cryptobiosis includes five subtypes: anhydrobiosis (desiccation), cryobiosis (freezing), anoxybiosis (oxygen deprivation), osmobiosis (high solute concentration), and chemobiosis (toxin exposure). Tardigrades can survive all five. The mechanism involves replacing intracellular water with protective sugars (trehalose, LEA proteins) that form a stable glass-like matrix. Metabolism drops to <0.01% of normal. The current revival record for tardigrades is over 30 years in frozen storage (2016 study); nematodes have survived 39 years.