IS ACTIN IMPORTANT FOR CRYOSURVIVAL

For plasmolyzed Catharanthus roseus cells in suspension culture, cytoc halasin D treatment and dimethylsulfoxide loading were equally effecti ve in promoting survival after preservation at -196 degrees C. Both tr eatments lead to a more or less substantial reorganization of the acti n filament pattern. Thus, beneficial effects of the actin binding drug provide evidence that cellular alterations linked to the structure of the actin cytoskeleton promote survival of plant cells at -196 degree s C. Involvement of actin filament structure in cytoplasm consistency, interactions of actin filaments with the plasma membrane, allow specu lations about the role of actin cytoskeleton in cryobehaviour.