From Freezing to Hibernation

Physical Property: Freezing

Antifreeze

Hibernation

Water

• Pure water freezes at 0 oC.

• Freezing Point Lowering (phys prop)– 29.2 g NaCl (table salt) in 1 kg water freezes

at -1.85 oC.

– Apply salt (NaCl, CaCl2) or CMA to icy roads• http://www.usroads.com/journals/p/rmj/9712/rm971

202.htm

– Add antifreeze to car radiator water to lower FP to -50 oC

Antifreeze Protein in Snow Fleas

• Scientists discovered a protein in snow fleas which protect them against freezing.

• If this protein can be isolated, it might be used to – inhibit ice growth by about 6 oC.– increase frost resistance in plants– Increase storage time of organs for transplant

• http://www.physorg.com/news7456.html

Hibernation

• When animals hibernate, their body temp, heart rate and metabolism decrease dramatically. This allows them to go for long periods of time without food and water. They are in a state called “torpor”.

• Potential benefits for organ transplants, trauma survivors, surgical patients.

• http://www.usatoday.com/tech/science/discoveries/2006-01-23-hibernation_x.htm

• http://www.d.umn.edu/biology/faculty/Andrews_page.htm