Distribution and characterization of recrystallization inhibitor activity in plant and lichen species from the UK and maritime Antarctic.

摘要

Extracts from a range of evolutionarily diverse plant and lichen species from the UK and maritime Antarctic have been assayed for inhibition of ice recrystallization. Approximately 25% of overwintering UK species and all Antarctic species exhibited antifreeze activity when exposed to low temperature. Preliminary characterization of the active extracts has demonstrated that the molecules co-opted to antifreeze activity by different species are biochemically diverse. Copyright 2000 Academic Press.