Enhanced drought tolerance of a soil-dwelling springtail by pre-acclimation to a mild drought stress.

摘要: The springtail Folsomia candida has a highly permeable cuticle, but is able to survive several weeks at 98.2%RH. This corresponds water potential deficit of about 17bars between the environment and normal osmotic pressure body fluids this animal. Recent studies have shown vapour absorption mechanism by accumulation sugars polyols (SP) in F. candida, which explains how species can dehydrating conditions. In present study, adult were pre-acclimated 98.2%RH induce SP, subsequently exposed for additional desiccating conditions from 98 94%RH. Activity level, content, SP composition investigated. After desiccation period, animals rehydrated 100%RH survival was assessed. results showed that survived more severe drought stress when it had been before exposure lower humidity. maintain hyperosmosity surroundings 95.5%RH, suggesting absorb down limit. Below limit, trehalose levels increased while myo-inositol decreased. We propose change strategy where mild seek retain colligative means (remain hyperosmotic), switches an anhydrobiotic strategy.