Tardigrade
A tardigrade is a microscopic multicellular animal of the Tardigrada type with a cylindrical or oval body, segments, and four pairs of legs with claws. It inhabits mosses, lichens, soil, sand, freshwater, and marine water. Tardigrades are known for their resilience: they survive in the vacuum of space, extreme temperatures, pressure, radiation, and desiccation by entering cryptobiosis. They feed on plant cells, bacteria, and small invertebrates, piercing their walls and sucking out the contents. They reproduce sexually and asexually (by parthenogenesis).
Did you know that...
01
-272°C to +150°C
Tardigrades can survive in the vacuum of space at temperatures close to absolute zero (-272°C to +150°C).
02
Can reach 1.5 mm
Some species can reach up to 1.5 mm, making them visible to the naked eye.
03
Up to 6000 atmospheres
They withstand pressure up to 6000 atmospheres.
04
200 years
In cryptobiosis, tardigrades can go without water and food for over 200 years.
05
Up to 10,000 cycles
They endure up to 10,000 cycles of freezing and thawing.
Structure and functions of microorganisms
Brain
Located in the front part of the head, this is a complexly organized center of the nervous system. The brain coordinates all complex behavioral responses, processes sensory information, and also controls the functions of other organs and systems.
Salivary gland
In tardigrades, salivary glands can secrete enzymes that help in the initial breakdown of food right in the oral cavity, facilitating their digestion, especially when consuming plant cells or bacteria.
Esophagus
This is a narrow muscular tube that connects the pharynx to the intestine. In tardigrades, the esophagus is simple and short, as their food generally does not require extensive mechanical processing before digestion.
Intestine
The main organ of digestion where further breakdown of food into smaller components occurs, which can then be absorbed and utilized by the body. The intestine of tardigrades functions efficiently to ensure maximum nutrient absorption.
Ovary
This is an organ located inside the body of a female tardigrade that serves for the development and storage of her eggs. In the ovary, the process of oogenesis occurs, during which eggs are formed and mature. After maturing, the eggs leave the ovary and pass through the oviducts for further placement or laying.
Anus
Located at the rear end of the body and used for the expulsion of undigested food remnants and other wastes.
Mouth
Located at the front end of the body, at the top of a special oral mound. It leads into a sucking tube, armed with a pair of retractable stylet-like rods or chewing plates; a pair of salivary glands also opens here.
Stylet
This is a thin structure used for feeding and protection. It penetrates plant tissues to absorb juices and can serve as protection by secreting toxic substances.
Pharynx
The section following the oral cavity where additional mechanical grinding and initial digestion of food occurs.
Ventral ganglion
Nodes located along the abdominal nerve chain that help coordinate movements and the functioning of organs.
Malpighian tubules
Excretory organs that remove metabolic products from the blood and form urine, which is expelled through the anus. They play a key role in maintaining water-salt balance and the elimination of toxins.
