Question:
I'd like to know is it possible to freeze a plant
and revive it? If so, what mechanisms are involved?
Replies:
There are a number of mechanisms for both plants and animals to survive
exposure to temperatures well below 0 C. (32 F.). Some involve the
production of a proteins and/or carbohydrates that act as anti-freezes.
Others actually induce freezing of inter-cellular water before the water can
breach the cell walls. This is effective because if water freezes INSIDE the
cell, the cell may burst, killing the cell, but if the water freezes OUTSIDE
the cell much less damage occurs. Other mechanisms include slowing, but not
necessarily preventing the freezing of water, because the SUDDEN freezing of
water is far more destructive than the SLOW freezing of water. In the latter
case the organism has the chance to respond to the increase in volume that
occurs when water freezing. In many cases that is more important than the
actual low temperature.
There are many mechanisms. The book entitled "Ice" by Mariana Gosnell
discusses many examples of the various mechanisms plants and animals have
adapted to prevent or minimize the effects of freezing.
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