Freeze/thaw-induced destabilization of the plasma membrane and the effects of cold acclimation

Disruption of the plasma membrane is a primary cause of freezing injury. In this review, the mechanisms of injury resulting from freeze-induced cell dehydration are presented, including destabilization of the plasma membrane resulting from (a) freeze/thaw-induced osmotic excursions and (b) lyotropic...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Journal of bioenergetics and biomembranes 1989-02, Vol.21 (1), p.21-41
Main Authors: Steponkus, P L, Lynch, D V
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Cell Membrane
Freezing
Membrane Lipids
Plants
Protoplasts
reviews
Tissue Preservation
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Summary:Disruption of the plasma membrane is a primary cause of freezing injury. In this review, the mechanisms of injury resulting from freeze-induced cell dehydration are presented, including destabilization of the plasma membrane resulting from (a) freeze/thaw-induced osmotic excursions and (b) lyotropic phase transitions in the plasma membrane lipids. Cold acclimation dramatically alters the behavior of the plasma membrane during a freeze/thaw cycle--increasing the tolerance to osmotic excursions and decreasing the propensity for dehydration-induced lamellar to hexagonal-II phase transitions. Evidence for a casual relationship between the increased cryostability of the plasma membrane and alterations in the lipid composition is reviewed.
ISSN:0145-479X
1573-6881
DOI:10.1007/bf00762210