Wood Frogs' Freezing Survival: Potential Implications for Organ Transplants

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A molecular miracle occurs every time the Wood Frog faces freezing temperatures. At the point where human skin would freeze and the cells collapse resulting in frostbite, this frog’s system uses colligative properties to secrete sugars which support the frog’s cells and keep them from collapsing. Kenneth Storey, a professor of biochemistry at Carleton University in Ottawa, Canada runs tests on these amazing frogs in a laboratory with the hope of uncovering their molecular secret to surviving constant freeze thaw cycles. National Geographic article on the Wood Frog states, “Storey studies the molecular mechanics that allow wood frogs to freeze and thaw. He hopes that doctors will one day be able to copy the technique to aid human organ transplants.” Currently, the act of transplanting organs must be accomplished …show more content…

"It can stay like that apparently, no beating heart or brain activity or anything, until you decide to thaw it," New York-based science writer Mariana Gosnell said Monday on a broadcast of the Pulse of the Planet radio program. “When temperatures warm and the ice melts, the frogs thaw. Water slowly flows back into the cells, blood starts flowing again, and the frog revives” (National Geographic). The glucose secreted by the liver is dissolved into the liquids inside the cells which then supports the cells. Though they become dehydrated they do not collapse, and the frog survives. Storey states, “The frogs, however, enter a state of suspended animation. Inside the cells there's thick sugary syrup, while outside the cells all the water is frozen” (National Geographic). This frog is a true miracle of nature. Perhaps if scientists can fully understand the process by which this frog survives it’s suspended animation, they may learn to preserve human organs for the purpose of transplanting. This little frog could spur great “leaps” for science in the near

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