Abstract
Steinernema feltiae is a moderately freezing tolerant nematode, that can withstand intracellular ice formation. We investigated recrystallization inhibition, thermal hysteresis and ice nucleation activities in the infective juveniles of S. feltiae. Both the splat cooling assay and optical recrystallometry indicate the presence of ice active substances that inhibit recrystallization in the nematode extract. The substance is relatively heat stable and largely retains the recrystallization inhibition activity after heating. No thermal hysteresis activity was detected but the extract had a typical hexagonal crystal shape when grown from a single seed crystal and weak ice nucleation activity. An ice active substance is present in a low concentration, which may be involved in the freezing survival of this species by inhibiting ice recrystallization.
Highlights
Cold tolerant ectotherms have evolved a number of strategies to survive low temperatures [1, 2]
Infective juveniles of S. feltiae showed a moderate level of recrystallization inhibition (RI) activity in the splat freezing assay
This was indicated by smaller ice crystals after the annealing period in comparison to the buffer control
Summary
Cold tolerant ectotherms have evolved a number of strategies to survive low temperatures [1, 2]. Many cold tolerant organisms produce proteins in response to reduced temperature that help them survive freezing. Those that interact with ice could be collectively named ice active proteins [6]. Some ice active proteins have the ability to bind to the ice surface thereby affecting the formation and stability of ice. Some ice active proteins have the ability to bind to the ice surface thereby affecting the formation and stability of ice They interact in different ways with ice, assisting the organism to survive sub-zero temperatures. They either inhibit the growth of ice Antifreeze proteins inhibit the growth of ice by producing a thermal hysteresis.
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
