Language
Country/Area
No result found
The secrets of biological freezing: Which organisms can survive extreme cold?
With climate change and the frequent occurrence of extreme weather events, scientists have begun to study in depth how some special organisms survive in cold environments. Some organisms can not only tolerate temperatures below 0°C, but can even survive conditions close to absolute zero. What is going on?
Many organisms accumulate antifreeze agents, such as antinucleation proteins, polyols, and glucose, to protect themselves from ice crystals.
Bacteria living in ice
Like a frozen time capsule, certain bacteria, such as Carnobacterium pleistocenium, Chryseobacterium greenlandensis and Herminiimonas glaciei, have survived in the ice for thousands of years and have recently been successfully revived by scientists. These bacteria assemble special antifreeze proteins in cold environments, allowing them to thrive at extremely low temperatures.
Frozen plants
In the plant kingdom, there are many species that can grow in cold environments. For example, some cold-resistant plants undergo a process called "hardening", allowing them to safely withstand low temperatures of -4°C to -12°C. This physiological adaptation allows them to stay alive even during long cold winters.
The nutrients in certain plants, especially sugars, can improve their frost resistance in low-temperature environments.
Amazing adaptations of animals
In the animal kingdom, the famous nematode Haemonchus contortus can survive at low temperatures driven by liquid nitrogen for up to 44 weeks. There are also nematodes that can survive in environments below 0°C such as Trichostrongylus colubriformis and Panagrolaimus davidi. The adaptability of such creatures shows an astonishing aspect of evolution.
Exploration of human freezing technology
In the field of science and technology, freezing technology has achieved important breakthroughs in medical applications. Human embryos and gametes can survive in a frozen state and can be stored for up to ten years, a process called cryopreservation. In addition, modern freezing technology also allows scientists to try the so-called "cryopreservation of humans." Is this dream possible to come true in the future?
Cryopreservation not only affects medical research, but also plays a key role in food preservation, slowing food spoilage and microbial growth.
Freezing and food preservation
Freezing is a common food preservation method that delays the growth of bacteria and the deterioration of food by lowering the temperature. With the advancement of science and technology, food freezing technology has been able to maintain the flavor, smell and nutrients, and significantly increase its shelf life. However, the response of different foods to freezing is very different, which is also one of the focuses of scientists' research.
Conclusion
In this cold world, different creatures have demonstrated unusual adaptability, and each has a unique way of survival. This makes us think, maybe in the future, we can also learn from the wisdom of these creatures how to face extreme climate changes on the earth?
