In extreme cases, such as in bdelloid rotifers, tardigrades, brine shrimp, and nematodes, these molecules can allow cells to survive being completely dried out and let them enter a state of suspended animation called cryptobiosis.
They have been shown to play a protective role by maintaining enzyme activity through freeze-thaw cycles and at higher temperatures.
In these situations, the soil microbes increase the concentration of these molecule in their cytoplasm into the molar range allowing them to persist until conditions approve.
In this state the cytosol and osmoprotectants become a glass-like solid that helps stabilize proteins and cell membranes from the damaging effects of desiccation.
[6] Osmoprotectants regulate gene expression in response to environmental osmolarity as compatible solutes even in small concentrations affect gene expression, ranging from inducing production of more compatible solutes to regulating components involved in infection, such as phospholipase C in Pseudomonas aeruginosa.