Antifreeze Proteins, Research Paper Example

Introduction

Antifreeze proteins are a type of protein that facilitates the inhibition of growth of ice crystals that form in tissue and cells, which prevents them from sustaining damage (National Science Foundation). This type of protein is found in Antarctic fish, some insects, plants, and bacteria, and has been identified as a possible method of preventing freezing in plants, improving fish production, improving tissue freezing capabilities in surgery, and preserving organs in preparation for transplant (National Science Foundation). In addition, antifreeze proteins have many applications in industry, such as ice cream manufacturing, sperm and tissue storage, and agricultural capabilities (Cheng & Chen, 1999).

Analysis

Antifreeze proteins are comprised of three amino acids that repeat in a sequence: threonine (Thr), proline (Pro) and alanine (Ala) (Cheng & Chen, 1999). The genetic makeup of these proteins is of particular interest because one gene that is part of this makeup is also common to a digestive protein, a type of protease (Cheng & Chen, 1999). Most importantly, the derivation of the genetic code for antifreeze proteins was accidental, yet it enables Antarctic fish to survive in waters with temperatures well below zero (Chen & Chen, 1999).

Antarctica is an important locale for the study of antifreeze proteins because fish living in these waters have adapted to the cold (Matz). To be specific, the Notothenoids, a large group fish species, are relevant because they possess antifreeze proteins and can survive in temperatures at 28 degrees F/ -1.9 degrees C (Matz). In turn, this group of species of fish were able to survive in extreme cold because they were able to adapt to their surroundings through genetic change and reproduction to pass these traits onto new generations of species (Matz). This is important because it represents an opportunity to enable these species to live on for many generations without difficulty (Matz).

One example of an antifreeze protein is Maxi, which is designed to prevent fish from freezing to death in North Atlantic Waters (Ball, 2014). This particular protein is unique in that it is comprised of over 400 water molecules that are integrated into a complex fold of proteins (Ball, 2014). This protein structure is highly intricate and unique, and it represents a means of evaluating the different conditions under which individual fish are able to survive for many years (Ball, 2014). Through the water molecules that are trapped within the protein structure, a velcro-type structure is evident, and it introduces a new level of complexity to the structure in a never-before-seen fashion, including an extension of the water molecules beyond the a-helical structures and into a combination with the ice crystals in a unique fashion (Ball, 2014).

Conclusion

Antifreeze proteins possess uniquely distinct and complex properties that have an impact on how many fish and other species, including plants and bacteria, are able to survive extremely cold temperatures for long periods of time. This level of intricacy in the protein structure enables the cells and tissues of these species to prevent cell and tissue freezing, even under extreme temperatures that would kill many other species who do not have these proteins. Therefore, this structure is not only innovative and unique, but it is a form of adaptation that has been in existence for many years that has a positive impact on Antarctic species. Furthermore, it possesses many potential applications in industry that may be effective in freezing and in preserving tissues and organs. As a result, these proteins provide further evidence of unique and genetic adaptability that contributes to the complexity of these proteins as a means of survival in many species.

References

Ball, P. Ice core to antifreeze protein’s inner workings. http://www.rsc.org/chemistryworld/2014/02/ice-core-antifreeze-protein-inner-workingsflounder-clathrate  Accessed May 2, 2014.

Cheng, CC, Chen, L. Evolution of antifreeze glycoprotein. Nature 1999; 401: 443-444.

Matz, M. Fish: fresh, not frozen. http://www.exploratorium.edu/origins/antarctica/ideas/fish.html Accessed May 2, 2014.

National Science Foundation. Antifreeze proteins – secrets for mankind? http://www.nsf.gov/od/lpa/nsf50/nsfoutreach/htm/n50_z2/pages_z3/04_pg.htm Accessed May 2, 2014.