Freezing behavior of fish blood glycoproteins with antifreeze properties

J. A. Raymond, A. L. DeVries

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

Abstract

The blood of some species of antarctic fishes has previously been shown to contain freezing point-depressing glycoproteins, ranging in MW from 3,000 to 34,000 daltons. In aqueous solutions undergoing freezing, the glycoproteins are incorporated into the ice in a concentration identical to that in the liquid. The freezing point depression (fpd) appears to be related to the size of the glycoprotein, and for the smaller sizes, is also dependent on the rate of freezing. Supercooling of the serum is the presence of an ice seed has also been observed. These data indicate that the fpd caused by the glycoproteins is a noncolligative property. A mechanism for the fpd involving surface effects on ice is suggested.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)541-547
Number of pages7
JournalCryobiology
Volume9
Issue number6
DOIs
StatePublished - Dec 1972
Externally publishedYes

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Biochemistry, Genetics and Molecular Biology(all)
  • Agricultural and Biological Sciences(all)

Fingerprint

Dive into the research topics of 'Freezing behavior of fish blood glycoproteins with antifreeze properties'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

Cite this