The role of hydration in modulating solution conformation, molecular recognition and biological activity of oligosaccharides, proteins, and nucleotides is widely recognized. However, this effect is often neglected when investigating many biological processes, such as the mechanism by which biological antifreezes inhibit the growth of ice. Antifreeze glycoproteins from Teleost fish have the unique ability to prevent in vivo ice growth in organisms inhabiting subzero environments. Consequently, these organisms are protected against cryo-injury and death. An understanding of the structural attributes essential for inhibiting the recrystallization of ice (antifreeze activity) is of current interest as it will allow for the design of novel cryoprotectants useful for the preservation of cells, tissues, and organs.
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