Worms Thrive in Low Oxygen Environments

[bioquest]

http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/01/090129140849.htm

here is a link to what I am talking about. Does this mean that some of these worm cells (the ones that have been made to survive in the low oxygen environment) can survive with no oxygen? indefinitely? or does it definitely not mean that? (i I heard cells die not when they stop getting oxygen but when oxygen reaches them again after they've been deprived of it I . I don't know if that's true but could these cells I am asking about stay in a state where they wouldn't be making proteins and where they wouldn't die, indefinitely)

thanks

also when it says cancer cells can by hypoxia-resistant, the cancer cells still need some level of oxygen to survive, right?

 

[bioquest]

okay um..ignore the previous question I guess my question now is just...I heard cells die from oxygen deprivation when they get oxygen after they've been deprived of it..- so could they last indefintiely without getting new oxygen then? thanks

 

[quicknote]

I can confirm that worms are indeed able to thrive in low oxygen environments. This is due to their unique adaptations, such as a slow metabolism and the ability to store energy for long periods of time. However, this does not mean that these worms can survive indefinitely without any oxygen. While they may be able to survive for extended periods of time in low oxygen conditions, they still require some level of oxygen to function and eventually, they will die without it.

In regards to your question about cells surviving without oxygen, it is true that cells can die when they are deprived of oxygen and then suddenly exposed to it again. This is known as reperfusion injury. However, it is important to note that cells have different levels of sensitivity to oxygen deprivation and some may be able to survive longer periods without it.

As for cancer cells being hypoxia-resistant, it means that they have developed mechanisms to survive in low oxygen environments. However, they still require some level of oxygen to survive and function. This is why treatments that target the blood supply to tumors, such as chemotherapy, can be effective in killing cancer cells.

In summary, while worms and some cells may be able to survive in low oxygen environments, they still require some level of oxygen to function and eventually, they will die without it. Cancer cells may be able to survive in low oxygen conditions, but they still need oxygen to survive and grow.