> Geoff Smith <geoffs@unixg.ubc.ca> writes:
>
> > I think I mentioned this before, but.. dehydrate the cells!
>
> Actually, this is what occurs when the body is frozen. Ice forms
> *between* the cells, not inside them, and they are largely dehydrated.
> Causes damage too, unfortunately.
Excuse my obvious ignorance of this subject. How exactly does this
happen? What causes the transport of water out of the cytoplasm and
through the cell membrane when the cell is being frozen? I assume if
freezing is done quickly, the resulting dehydration of the cell is a rapid
process. Wouldn't the sudden increase in volume of intersitial fluid
damage the cells before the water even froze?
Also, what keeps the remaining cytoplasmic water from freezing?
> > I wish
> > someone versed in zoology would butt in here and add some more informed
> > discussion about the frogs that freeze and unfreeze with no outside
> > intervention.
>
> Rana Sylvestris, I seem to recall.
Thank you ;)