UH Hilo Center for Maunakea Stewardship - Research Library

The role of hemolymph proteins in the cold tolerance of insects

Author:
Duman, J., Horwath, K.
Title:
The role of hemolymph proteins in the cold tolerance of insects
Periodical:
Annual Review of Physiology
Year:
1993
Volume:
45
Pages:
261-270
Subject:
Insects alpine climate
Summary:
During the winter, many insects produce high concentrations of polyhydroxy alcohols that function either as cryoprotectants in freeze-tolerant insects or as antifreezes in freeze-susceptible species. However, found in a number of overwintering insects were hemolymph proteins. These proteins produce a thermal hysteresis that is similar to that of the antifreeze proteins and glycoproteins of polar marine teleost fishes. In addition, the hemolymph of many freeze-tolerant insects contains ice nucleating proteins that inhibit supercooling. This ensures that ice will form in the extracellular fluid of the insect at comparatively high temperatures and minimizes the formation of lethal intracellular ice. As a result, hemolymph proteins and their role in insect cold tolerance are reviewed in this document.
Label:
Insects
Date:
1993
Collection:
Periodicals