[Campbell Biology P.1029] Based on the information provided, what is the primary role of treh... | Practice Question

Based on the information provided, what is the primary role of trehalose in anhydrobiosis and how has this understanding been applied?

  • A: Trehalose acts as a lubricant for dehydrated tardigrades, enabling movement, and its application has led to improved artificial joint designs.
  • B: Trehalose helps tardigrades absorb water more quickly upon rehydration, and this mechanism is now used in rapid rehydration solutions for humans.
  • C: Trehalose protects cells by replacing water associated with proteins and membrane lipids, and this principle is used for room temperature storage of biological materials.
  • D: Trehalose increases the rigidity of the tardigrade cuticle, preventing desiccation, and is now used in protective coatings for electronics.

Explanation

The text explains that trehalose 'seems to protect the cells by replacing the water that is normally associated with proteins and membrane lipids.' It further states that 'the manufacture of materials modeled after the protectants of anhydrobiotic species has enabled room temperature storage of such samples' like protein, DNA, and cells . This aligns perfectly with option C. The other options describe incorrect roles for trehalose or misrepresent its applications.