The Importance of Cryoprotective Agents (CPAS) in the Cryopreservation Process for the Preservation of Plant Resources

Abstract

Abstract The process of vitrification involves the freezing of plant genetic components. It is based on the fact that water can be rapidly cooled to a glassy state by increasing its viscosity to extremely high values without causing intracellular ice crystallization. The genetic material of plants can undergo deleterious changes in structure and function during the cryopreservation process. It is important to remember that cryodamage can occur at any time after ice freezing, not just during the freezing process. Cryopreservation and thawing have been associated with potentially greater changes in DNA integrity. Due to the increased rate of lipid peroxidation and suppression of the antioxidant enzyme defense mechanism, cryopreservation causes oxidative stress. Cryopreservation is particularly damaging to RNA and DNA. The development of cryopreservation technology is due to the discovery of chemicals with preservative properties and protection against freezing damage. These chemicals must be applied to the culture medium for the culture to be preserved in order to prevent the formation of large ice crystals in the plant cells; the sharp edges of these crystals damage the cell walls and membranes and kill the cells.