ABSTRACT
This chapter discusses several properties of diapause systems which deserve particular attention within the context of further research in diapause regulation. The production of diapause embryos entails at least two discrete physiological events: determination of reproductive mode in the female and induction of diapause in the embryo. The diapause embryos appear to differ biochemically from those destined for the ovoviviparous route early in development. Laboratory experiments have provided evidence that Artemia exhibit very similar, general characteristics compared to other organisms with respect to environmental control of diapause. A very large amount of information is available on the metabolism that accompanies both the resumption of development and its subsequent suppression by adverse environmental conditions in cysts which have had their diapause terminated. Both diapause and activated hydrated embryos can survive exposure to anoxia for very long periods of time. It has been proposed that both carbohydrate and lipid metabolism are reversibly halted during anoxybiosis in hydrated, activated cysts.
