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The protein secretion of the sea ice diatom enables growth in freezing temperatures by inhibiting the recrystallization of the surrounding ice crystals

Lipid membranes in living cells facilitate non-polar chemistry in an aqueous environment by forming microscopic spaces friendly to fat-soluble compounds.

Ryegrass sucks industrial chemicals from the soil and concentrates them in its cells.

The food filters of Pegea confoederata salps capture food smaller than its mesh size by optimizing the water flow through their continuously secreted sticky mucus net.

Certain strains of the cyanobacteria Synechococcus elongatus produce enzymes that catalyze the synthesis of hydrocarbons from fatty acids.

The cuticle of the thistle plant controls its degree of elasticity by regulating the degree of hydration of constituent trihydroxy fatty acids compounds.

Thale cress plants maximize photosynthetic activity by detecting changes in wavelengths of red and blue light associated with shade, triggering protein production to direct growth away from shaded areas.

A sugar-based polymer produced by an Alaskan darkling beetle keeps cell contents from freezing in extreme cold temperatures by attaching to the cell membrane.

Pelotomaculum thermopropionicum bacteria gets its energy from alchohols in a reaction that normally requires an input of energy by forming communities with Methanothermobacter thermautotrophicus.

The mandibles of the larval jewel beetle are as hard as some stainless steels by sheathing chitin fibers in protein and cross-linking.

Cells in the leaves of the prince's plume mustard protect it from toxic organic selenium by detoxifying and sequestering it at the edges of its leaves where it performs a pest control function.

Membrane-bound enzymes produced by the bacteria Pseudomonas putida produce energy from trapped hydrocarbon-based substrates by producing oxygen free radicals that break down the substrates.

The extremophile, Desulforudis audaxviator, produce all essential amino acids by developing unique methods of fixing both carbon and nitrogen.

Enzymes produced by extremophile archaeabacteria can catalyze the breakdown of cellulose to glucose because they continue to function even under extremely hot, salty conditions.

Extracellular polymeric substances produced by communities of algae and bacteria provide functions such as movement and stability using primarily a mixture of different carbohydrate building blocks with additions of proteins.

Leaves of thale cress protect the plant from pathogenic microorganisms by interrupting the cellular signals that otherwise keep the stoma open and vulnerable to bacterial invasion.

Vibrio harveyi bacteria protect themselves from the damaging effects of UV radiation by channeling the UV energy to bioluminescent proteins.

Marine cyanobacteria, Crocosphaera watsonii, doubles the effectiveness of a critical, but scarce nutrient by serially sharing the nutrient between two key processes.

Glycosyltransferase enzymes produced by Micromonospora echinospora bacteria reversibly catalyze complex organic reactions between sugars and other molecules.

The digestive process used by Pseudomonas putida bacteria break down caffeine and similar organic compounds using enzymes that cleave methyl groups.

The hyphae of Aspergillus ustus mold can function and grow at more than 1000 m below sea level by adopting a micro-spherical shape.

The venom of the thick-tailed scorpion protect it from fungal parasites by containing antifungal, antimicrobial proteins that work synergistically when applied to its own body.

The Chinese brake fern absorbs and transports toxic arsenic from roots to fronds via cellular transport channels.

The inner space of lemon fruit sacs are hyperacidified by the action of proton-pumping enzymes associated with the otherwise semipermeable outer cell membrane.

Excrement from pine spittlebug nymphs repels predatory ants when the nymphs engulf themselves in a foam derived from their feces.

Cacti sequester atmospheric carbon dioxide by converting it to oxalate and combining it with soil-derived calcium ions which ultimately lead to the formation of solid calcium carbonate.

The sera of Virginia opossum avoid toxic reactions to snake venom by containing compounds that block the key enzymes in the venom.

The eye lens of the Antarctic toothfish avoids cold-cataracts at temperatures cold enough to freeze sea water by maintaining the right concentration of three isoforms of crytallin proteins.

Odor-binding proteins on the antennae of dampwood termites mediate the transport of odoriferous chemicals to the olfactory nerves by encapsulating the hydrophobic scent chemicals in a water soluble coating.

Proteins produced by the bacteria Pyrococcus furiosus contain metal atoms that enable the proteins to catalyze important chemical reactions.

Silk of the Darwin's bark spider is twice as strong as other spider silk due to extreme extensibility combined with high strength.

Biofilm colonies of Bacillus subtilis are highly water and gas repellant due to a combination of chemical composition and nano-scale topography.

Proteins embedded in the membranes of Staphylococcus aureus bacteria open up to form relief channels in response to extreme internal water pressure.

Smoke-derived compounds called karrikinolides stimulate germination.

Eggshells of chickens are formed from amorphous calcium carbonate nanoparticles which are transformed into ordered crystals by protein mediation.

Bdelloid rotifers are resistant to ionizing radiation due to enhanced capacity for scavenging destructive radiation-induced molecules before they have a chance to cause damage.

Hydrogen ions push recovered calcium into cells to keep shell-building going strong.

Lysosomes in human cells recycle amino acid building blocks by capturing and breaking down malfunctioning proteins.

Leaves of tomatoes ward off parasitic caterpillars by secreting an enzyme that breaks down a key nutrient in the caterpillar larvae's gut.

Chaparonins in human cells rehabilitate misfolded proteins by capturing them in confined spaces causing them to unfold, giving them a second chance at refolding into their properly functioning, three-dimensional configuration.

The cell membranes of Shewanella bacteria living in oxygen-free environments allow minerals to do the electro-chemical work of oxygen via a series of membrane-bound iron-reducing proteins.

Membrane-bound vesicles in diatoms build the organism's mineral shell by secreting proteins that template the design and trigger silica deposition.

Shewanella oneidensis bacteria attach to and reduce iron oxide in anaerobic conditions via the work of two proteins.

Human kidneys filter waste from the blood and recycle beneficial compounds back into it using osmosis, variations in membrane permeability, and protein pumps.

The eggs of the white rock shell snail ward off microbial attack with a series of physical, mechanical, and potentially chemical defenses

Dunaliella salina algae protect themselves from the effects of solar ultraviolet radiation by producing immense quantities of β-carotene to quench the damaging effects of reactive oxygen radicals.

Pigments in the oriental hornet’s cuticle absorb solar energy that is turned into electrical energy.

Nematocysts of some cnidarians can penetrate thick layers of crustacean shell by capsules of unusually short collagens that explosively eject stylets of strong and flexible protein tubules with spiked barbs.

Capsids, the containers housing viral DNA, are stable, self-assembling structures because they rely on the net strength afforded by a combination of weak attractive or repulsive forces arising from the relative position of proteins making up the container

The cuticle on the surface of leaves create a smart barrier by having selective permeability to both hydrophobic and hydrophillic molecules.

Mycorrhiza allow Egyptian clover to grow in salty soil by regulating the uptake and distribution of salt ions into the plant.

Skin cells of hagfish are capable of directly absorbing organic nutrients using specially adapted transport channels and leveraging sodium ion gradients.

Outer membranes of Escherichia coli cells direct the cell toward food using "taste" receptor protein clusters that send signals to the motor proteins of the flagella.

Bacteria sense each other using chemicals to determine local density.

Cell clusters associated with the surface of the giant basal growing spicule of the glass sponge release silica for controlled circumferential growth.

The leaves of tobacco protect from parasitic insects by releasing a chemical signal, inducing production in adjacent cells of a compound toxic to invertebrates.

Teeth of humans regenerate due to a peptide, P 11-4, that forms into fibers that attract calcium and causes generation of minerals from within.

Traps of the flypaper plant capture prey via a super sticky, superbly water repellant, long lasting, adhesive.

Peptides on the skin of African clawed frog protect from fungal infection by having a semiselective binding nature to bacterial pathogen cells affording each peptide the ability to bind to a variety of pathogens.

Cells of thale cress protect themselves from dissolved heavy metals by releasing compounds that bind the metal ions or neutralize the destructive substances they spawn.

Biopolymer composites in the exterior shell of the black coral are strong and hard due to weakly bonded chitin strands with strongly crosslinked proteins.

Salmonella bacteria grip their host more tenaciously when pulled apart because complex adhesive proteins change their structure as stronger force is applied.

The teeth of chitons resist cracking because of the highly ordered, submicroscopic architecture that features a partnership between hard mineral crystals and fibers.

Enzymes produced by the mushroom-forming fungus Agrocybe aegerita break down toxic organosulfur compounds by catalyzing the oxidization of the sulfur-containing portion of the molecule.

Enzymes produced by a marine fungus found on mangroves can "bleach" wood pulp by catalyzing the break down of lignin.

Bees detoxify pesticides using special electron-stripping enzymes

The skin of Australian frogs of the genus Notaden protects from insect bites via a secreted glue, which gums up insect mouthparts.

Nanocrystals isolated from cellulose are strong, flexible, and lightweight

Conus victoriae cone snails catch food by injecting a potent venom that renders prey paralyzed.

Cartilage in the joints of cows protect from compressive forces due to repulsion between negative charges of cartilage molecules, as well as attractive forces between these same molecules near the peak of the compressive force.

Fibers produced by the flax plant provide strength by being extensively cross-linked composites of cellulose, pectin, and protein in a long, tube-like architecture.

The skin of the gaur deters landing and feeding by mosquitoes by secreting an oily substance, a novel 18-carbon acid.

The tiny Cuban frog, Eleutherodactylus orientalis, protects itself from predators by consuming toxin-laden oribatid mites and sequestering the toxins in its skin.

Tissues in human organ systems are strong and resilient partly due to the presense of fibulins, a family of proteins that leverage calcium binding to form strong fibers in connective tissue composites.

Blue tit females protect their chicks from pathogenic bacteria by selectively placing fragments of certain aromatic plants in their nests.

The protein, Pif, secreted by pearl oysters contributes to the strength and shape of the shell due to key amino acids that guide mineral crystal growth.

The roots of maize defend against phytopathogens by releasing a pesticide that also attracts a beneficial microbe that preys on the target pest.

Cells in the bark of ficus trees temporarily repair ruptures by secreting latex into the wound site which cures upon exposure to air.

Carpenter ants identify intruders based on the scent of cuticular chemicals not present on nest-mates.

Monarch butterflies infected with parasites capable of infecting their offspring avoid transmission by selectively laying their eggs on plants containing therapeutic remedies.

Outer membranes of Geobacter sulfurreducens incorporate electron-conducting protein filaments that transfer electrons generated by the digestion of food inside the cell to iron atoms outside the cell.

Glands of the pleasing fungus beetle kill microbes, deter predators and competitors by secreting volatile fluids.

The foot of a banana slug generates a propulsive force against surfaces via mucus secretions that act as both a lubricant and an adhesive.

Tarsal structures of beetles adhere to plant surfaces by secreting lipids that are liquid at normal temperatures.

Hydrophobins produced by the split gill fungus protect surfaces by self-assembling into a highly water-repellent layer when exposed to an air-water interface.

Compounds secreted by Cladosporium resinae act as surfactants by self-assembling into a wide variety of 3-D configurations tailor-made for different circumstances when water and oil need to mix.

Proteins secreted by the algae Melosira arctica ensure optimal conditions for survival inside watery bubbles in this extremely cold environment by manipulating the formation of ice around the bubble.

Jaws of blood worms are hard and wear resistant due to stratified composites containing precise configurations of proteins and two forms of copper.

Enzymes produced by Bacillus selenitireducens use molybdenum to lower the toxicity of dissolved, oxidized forms of arsenic and selenium.

Bacterial cells produce polyester granuals in water at ambient temperature and pressure via enzymatic self-assembly.

Cells of the hybrid striped bass fight fungal infection with peptides that punch hydrophilic holes in the cell membranes of the infectious microorganism.

Defense chemicals secreted by Ardistomis schaumii beetles can pass directly through the exoskeletons of their foes with the aid of special solvents.

The mosquito, Culiseta longiareolata, protects its offspring by sensing chemicals released by its predator, the backswimmer, Notonecta maculata, before laying its eggs.

Woodlice reduce risk by avoiding dead and dying members of their own species via chemical signals they release.

Glands of the parrotfish protect it from parasites and mask olfactory cues by secreting a mucous cocoon that surrounds the fish.

Tissues of the Bagassa guianensis tree increase its durability due to the presence of metabolites called stilbenoids.

Eurotium herbariorum can survive at low temperatures by producing water-soluble molecules that act as lubricants to ensure proper function of biological compounds.

Through symbiosis, waste products from Syntrophus aciditrophicus are rapidly turned back into the organism's energy source in harsh, extremely resource-limited environments.

Roots of fine-leaf fescue help them outcompete other plants because they release growth-inhibiting chemicals that mimic nutrients.

Enzymes produced by Metallosphaera sedula catalyze the reduction of metal ions from metal sulfates, sulfites, and sulfides to produce the elemental form of the metals.

A transport protein in Aspergillus nidulans maintains the right concentration of nitrogen compounds within cells by actively responding to the presence of nutrient sources.

The malaria parasite, Plasmodium falciparum, detoxifies heme generated from digestion of its host's blood by coalescing the toxin into a harmless crystal.

Damaged sections of photosynthetic protein complexes in plants and bacteria are repaired via an internal cellular system of recognition, removal, and repair.

The red algae dinoflagellate, Karenia brevis, converts a chain of epoxide rings into compounds with a repeating ladder-like design using water as a promoter.

The eggshells of the Chinese softshell turtles are both strong and antimicrobial due to the production of a single protein, pelovaterin.

Antarctic crustaceans create wax within their bodies to help them sink deep into the water to hibernate for winter.

The beaks of jumbo squid are flexible near the body and stiff near the tip, as defined by varying degrees of water content in a composite of chitin nanofibrils infused with cross-linked proteins.

The egg capsule of a sea snail resists cracks due to substituting calcium with magnesium.

Surface of living bacteria aids in direct electron transfer through use of network of nanofilaments (pili) that conduct electricity.

Cytoskeletons of an amoeba change properties quickly by varying cross-links of actin polymer filaments in response to changing environmental cues.

Enzymes produced by the fungus Gliocladium roseum mediate the break down of a common industrial compound by initiating the biodegredation process.

Bromophycolide compounds in the Fijian red seaweed provide protection against malaria by interrupting the parasite's ability to protect itself from toxic byproducts.

A protein in the flesh-eating bacteria binds to human cells to allow invasion by having a 3D structure stabilized by an additional covalent bond.

Respiratory enzymes in Acidiphilium cryptum bacteria detoxify hexavalent chromium compounds even under highly acidic conditions by shuttling electrons from several sources.

Bacillus subtilis defends itself against the damaging effects of oxidative free-radicals by synthesizing nitric oxide.

Blood of the eastern mole is able to rid the body of large quantities of carbon dioxide because of amino acid substitutions in hemoglobin creating a salt bridge.

Glands in sea hares secrete two compounds that protect the organism from predators by reacting together to create an unpalatable mixture of hydrogen peroxide and organic chemicals.

The uropygial glands of hoopoe birds contain a symbiotic bacteria that secrete antiseptics targeted at feather-eating bacteria.

The filament injection organ of Myxobolus cerebralis detects a potential fish host via receptors that recognize chemical compounds present in fish mucus.