"' Cryptobiosis "'is an ametabolic state of life entered by an organism in response to adverse environmental conditions such as desiccation, freezing, and oxygen deficiency.
12.
Previously, it was believed that a multi-cellular organism could only survive in a non-metabolic state of " suspended animation " known as cryptobiosis for a few decades.
13.
In the Sixth Doctor audio play " Cryptobiosis ", taking place in 1901, the Chief Mate of the cargo ship " Lankester " was transporting a captured mermaid to an unknown buyer.
14.
The two prevalent theories as to how trehalose works within the organism in the state of cryptobiosis are the vitrification theory, a state that prevents ice formation, or the water displacement theory, whereby water is replaced by trehalose, although it is possible that a combination of the two mechanisms is at work.
