The study focuses on cold-blooded marine worms living in the harsh Antarctic waters
These worms rely on two specific bacterial genera (types) to survive.
The bacteria produce cryoprotective proteins, which act like antifreeze.
A cryoprotectant is a substance used to protect biological tissue from freezing damage (i.e. that due to ice formation).
Arctic and Antarctic insects, fish and amphibians create cryoprotectants (antifreeze compounds and antifreeze proteins) in their bodies to minimize freezing damage during cold winter periods.
These antifreeze proteins help the worms survive the freezing temperatures of their environment
This finding supports the idea that a beneficial relationship (philosymbiosis) exists between the worms and the bacteria.
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