Mazur P. Limits to life at low temperatures and at reduced water contents and water activities.
ORIGINS OF LIFE 1980;
10:137-59. [PMID:
6994021 DOI:
10.1007/bf00928665]
[Citation(s) in RCA: 76] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/22/2023]
Abstract
Liquid water is generally considered an absolute requisite for functional life; consequently, life is expected to function only over the range of temperatures that permit its existence. These limits, however, do not apply to cell survival. Some cells can survive the closest attainable approach to 0 K, and some can survive the loss of over 99% of their water.
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