Avoidance of Crystallization in Biological Systems

This teaching and learning package discusses the two main environmental threats leading to crystallization in plants and animals, and the ways in which organisms have adapted to avoid this crystallization. As part of this discussion, there is coverage of some of the theory of nucleation and crystallization.

Resurrection plant (Image reproduced with permission of Brad Fiero, Pima Community College, Tucson, Arizona)

Aims Before you start Introduction Nucleation and crystallization The water-sucrose system Avoidance of crystallization by glass formation Avoidance of crystallization by freeze resistance Summary Questions Going further

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First created: April 2005. Last updated: January 2008.