Cold comfort: Plant antifreeze proteins

Abstract

This chapter begins with a historical review of the scientific contributions to plant antifreeze protein biology made by Dr. Marilyn Griffith. Then the current state of knowledge on this topic is outlined, focusing on recent advances in understanding the roles of these proteins as modulators of freezing and ice recrystallization, and the mechanisms by which they function at the molecular level. The goal of this chapter is to highlight a fascinating series of achievements over a too brief career and to set the framework for other investigators who wish to take this up this area of research. Copyright © Physiologia Plantarum 2006.