Distribution and characterization of recrystallization inhibitor activity in plant and lichen species from the UK and maritime Antarctic

Extracts from a range of evolutionarily diverse plant and lichen species fr om the UK and maritime Antarctic have been assayed for inhibition of ice re crystallization. Approximately 25% of overwintering UK species and all Anta rctic species exhibited antifreeze activity when exposed to low temperature . Preliminary characterization of the active extracts has demonstrated that the molecules co-opted to antifreeze activity by different species are bio chemically diverse. (C) 2000 Academic Press.