Home > Research > Publications & Outputs > Phytochemistry - Heat-stable antifreeze protein...
View graph of relations

Phytochemistry - Heat-stable antifreeze protein from grass

Research output: Contribution to Journal/MagazineJournal articlepeer-review

Published
  • C Sidebottom
  • S Buckley
  • P Pudney
  • S Twigg
  • C Jarman
  • C Holt
  • J Telford
  • A McArthur
  • D Worrall
  • R Hubbard
  • P Lillford
Close
<mark>Journal publication date</mark>20/07/2000
<mark>Journal</mark>Nature
Issue number6793
Volume406
Number of pages1
Pages (from-to)256-256
Publication StatusPublished
<mark>Original language</mark>English

Abstract

We have discovered an antifreeze protein1 in an overwintering perennial ryegrass, Lolium perenne. The protein is stable at 100 °C and although it is a less effective antifreeze than proteins found in antarctic fish and insects, it is better at preventing ice recrystallization. This property enables grasses to tolerate ice formation in their tissues without being damaged, suggesting that the control of ice-crystal growth rather than the prevention of freezing may have evolved to be the critical factor in their survival at very low temperatures.