Antifreeze agents of terrestrial arthropods

Author:

Duman, John G., Horwarth, Kathleen L., Tomchaney, Albert, Patterson, Jean L.

Title:

Antifreeze agents of terrestrial arthropods

Periodical:

Comparative biochemistry and physiology

Year:

1982

Volume:

73A

Pages:

545-555

Subject:

Insects alpine climate

Summary:

The primary purpose of this paper is to review studies that concern the antifreeze agents that are multiplied by cold hardy, freeze-susceptible terrestrial arthropods. This document discusses how proteins, that are similar to the antifreeze proteins and glycoproteins of polar marine fishes, function as antifreezes in a number of insects, spiders, and a centipede, as it produces a thermal hysteresis of several degrees. Also discussed is how, in some species, these proteins are the only identifiable antifreezes, while in other species polyols are also produced. Since these antifreezes have been discussed elsewhere, the emphasis in this review will concern the high molecular weight proteinaceous antifreezes which have been more recently discovered in terrestrial arthropods. However, it is important to note that relatively few studies have been conducted and only a small number of species have been investigated.

Label:

Insects

Collection:

Periodicals