Understanding the survival strategies of nematodes.
2011
Perry, R. N.
Nematodes are a remarkable group of invertebrates with enormous economic and social importance. Free-living nematodes are found in a wide variety of habitats, from the Antarctic to the hot springs in New Zealand. Parasitic species of nematodes parasitize almost every species of plants and animals, including humans. The success of nematodes depends partly on sophisticated adaptations to withstand environmental extremes and, for parasitic forms, to overcome the switch between the external environment and the internal environment of the host, and the ensuing antagonistic response of the host. This review briefly outlines the astonishing abilities of some species of nematodes to survive environmental extremes, including desiccation, and to withstand host responses. Understanding the mechanisms for survival has relevance to many other biological fields and the importance of molecular approaches to unravel the mechanisms is discussed.
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