Question

Before freezing, biological material must be treated with a cryoprotectant primarily to prevent damage to which structures?

Options

• Shoot tip and embryo

• Seed banks and botanical gardens

• Plant and animal germplasm

• Cell membranes and organelles

Answer 1

A cryoprotectant is applied before freezing to prevent ice-crystal damage. Ice crystals can damage cell membranes and organelles during freezing.