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Chapter 9 – Hypoxia and Anoxia Stress

Introduction

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Figure 9.1: The 2019’s Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine was collectively awarded to William G. Kaelin of Harvard Medical School, Sir Peter J. Ratcliffe of Oxford University and Gregg L. Semenza of Johns Hopkins University. They won for their ground-breaking research on how cells detect and respond to low oxygen by the accumulation of a protein called hypoxia-inducible factor-1 (HIF-1). Their discoveries have led to cutting-edge research on developing new treatments for anemia, and cancer, among other diseases (credit: Adam Baker, CC BY 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons)

Organisms and their cells are subject to continuously changing ecosystems, imposing challenges on their survival. An example of these challenges is reduced oxygen levels, which occurs in a many environments ranging from aquatic to terrestrial. When oxygen availability in cells is limited, the cells experience stress. There are a variety of factors that limit cellular access to oxygen, such as ice formation, algae blooms, and even certain diseases (e.g., anemia). Throughout this chapter, we will explore how oxygen limitation impacts cells, which can help us understand how multicellular organisms survive in environments with low oxygen.

Chapter Outline

9.1 Challenges Associated with Oxygen Limitation

9.2 Sensing Hypoxic and Anoxic Conditions

9.3 Strategies and Mechanisms of Hypoxia and Anoxia Tolerance

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Online Textbook for Biol 395 Copyright © 2024 by Jantina Toxopeus is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License, except where otherwise noted.

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