Question

How do some organisms living in extreme cold areas manage to prevent their body fluids from freezing?

Answer 1

• Presence of antifreeze proteins: Prevents the formation of ice crystals (ice nucleation is prevented).
• Freezing point depression: The freezing point of body fluids are lowered below the freezing point of seawater to prevent formation of ice crystals.

Freeze avoidance in some insects, amphibians and reptiles is ensured by avoiding accumulation of cryoprotectant molecules like ethylene glycol in advance, the supercooling of body fluids is enhanced and ice nucleation is prevented.