GC: n

CT: Cryopreservation is based on the ability of certain small molecules to enter cells and prevent dehydration and formation of intracellular ice crystals, which can cause cell death and destruction of cell organelles during the freezing process. Two common cryoprotective agents are dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) and glycerol. Glycerol is used primarily for cryoprotection of red blood cells, and DMSO is used for protection of most other cells and tissues. A sugar called trehalose, which occurs in organisms capable of surviving extreme dehydration, is used for freeze-drying methods of cryopreservation.

S: EncBrit – https://global.britannica.com/technology/cryopreservation (last access: 11 March 2017)

N: 1. From cryo- + preservation, from Ancient Greek κρύος (kruos, “icy cold, chill, frost”).
2. The preservation of seeds, semen, embryos, or micro-organisms at extremely low temperatures …
3. At these temperatures, water is absent, molecular kinetic energy is low, diffusion is virtually nil, and storage potential is expected to be extremely long. For fish, only sperms can be stored successfully.
4. A technique used to store living organisms at low temperature (e.g. using liquid nitrogen).

S: 1. http://www.memidex.com/cryopreservation#etymology (last access: 11 March 2017). 2 & 3. TERMIUM PLUS – http://goo.gl/WAZwq2 (last access: 11 March 2017). 4. GDT – http://www.granddictionnaire.com/ficheOqlf.aspx?Id_Fiche=17035521 (last access: 11 March 2017).

OV: cryo-preservation

S: TERMIUM PLUS – http://goo.gl/WAZwq2 (last access: 11 March 2017)

SYN: cryoconservation, cryo-conversation.

S: TERMIUM PLUS – http://goo.gl/WAZwq2 (last access: 11 March 2017)

CR: cryogenics