Biochemistry And Function Of Antifreeze Proteins

This second volume, written in four parts, offers the reader a thorough review on molecular, structural and applied aspects of antifreeze proteins. The first part treats the structure-function relationship and the physicochemical properties of antifreeze proteins; the second part provides insight into molecular mechanisms affected by antifreeze proteins; the third part presents some of the potential applications in various professional sectors and in the last part the book content is summarized and future research directions and ideas are discussed. Together with the first volume on the environment, systematic and evolution of antifreeze proteins, this book represents a unique, comprehensive work and a must-have for students and scientists in biochemistry, molecular biology, biotechnology and physical chemistry.

Antifreeze proteins, also known as thermal hysteresis proteins, ice binding proteins and ice structuring proteins, prevent the growth of ice crystals in several cold blooded organisms. First discovered in fish, they have also been found in insects, plants, fungi and bacteria. Antifreeze proteins cause the non-colligative depression of the freezing point of water, a property which has been exploited in the practical applications of antifreeze proteins such as improving the texture of ice cream, and could be used to extend the crop growing season or allow fish to thrive in cold waters. This book provides clear information on what is known about antifreeze proteins today and how to study them.

A collection of works by researchers who have studied the antifreeze proteins which enable organisms to avoid freezing under extreme conditions.

This first volume provides a comprehensive overview on evolutionary, environmental and systematic aspects of antifreeze proteins. It shortly explains the physical properties of ice and further intelligibly describes the biology of the antifreeze proteins in different organisms, and offers a detailed insight into their history of evolution. In addition the book discusses the status of the current knowledge and ongoing research and highlights also those parts, where further investigation needs to be done. Together with the second volume on the biochemistry and molecular biology of antifreeze proteins, this book represents a unique, comprehensive work and a must-have for students and scientists in biochemistry, evolution, physiology and physical chemistry.

This volume of Cell and Molecular Responses to Stress has two broad themes: an examination of selected protein adaptations that support stress tolerance and an analysis of signal transduction systems, those critical links between the perception of stress and the activation of the coordinated metabolic responses that ensure survival. Several chapters deal with adaptive responses to environmental cold temperature and highlight novel advances in mammalian hibernation, low temperature enzyme function, cold-shock and antifreeze proteins, and freezing survival. Other chapters stretch out to explore biochemical responses to diverse stresses including water stress, mechanical stress, nutrient availability, oxygen limitation and oxidative stress. The integral roles of protein kinases, transcription factors, oxygen free radicals, and oxygen-sensitive ion channels in the detection and mediation of stress responses are explored. The multiplicity of responses is emphasized and shows us the vast potential of cells and organisms to respond to innumerable stresses, great and small, and the regulatory principles and mechanisms that are used to allow life to adapt and endure in every environment on Earth. Featuring: A discussion of new advances in understanding protein adaptations that support organismal survival of stress. State-of-the-art analysis of key components of cellular signal transduction pathways including protein kinases and calcium and the control, integration and action of signal transduction pathways in response to stresses including mechanical stress, nutrient availability, oxidative stress.

Yeasts are a versatile group of eukaryotic microorganisms, exhibiting heterogeneous nutritional profiles and an extraordinary ability to survive in a wide range of natural and man-associated ecosystems, including cold habitats. Cold-adapted yeasts inhabit numerous low-temperature environments where they are subjected to seasonal or permanent cold conditions. Hence, they have evolved a number of adaptation strategies with regard to growth and reproduction, metabolic activities, survival and protection. Due to their distinctive ability to thrive successfully at low and even subzero temperatures, cold-adapted yeasts are increasingly attracting attention in basic science and industry for their enormous biotechnological potential. This book presents our current understanding of the diversity and ecology of cold-adapted yeasts in worldwide cold ecosystems, their adaptation strategies, and their biotechnological significance. Special emphasis is placed on the exploitation of cold-adapted yeasts as a source of cold-active enzymes and biopolymers, as well as their benefits for food microbiology, bioremediation and biocontrol. Further, aspects of food biodeterioration are considered.

The second edition of Emerging Technologies in Food Processing presents essential, authoritative, and complete literature and research data from the past ten years. It is a complete resource offering the latest technological innovations in food processing today, and includes vital information in research and development for the food processing industry. It covers the latest advances in non-thermal processing including high pressure, pulsed electric fields, radiofrequency, high intensity pulsed light, ultrasound, irradiation, and addresses the newest hurdles in technology where extensive research has been carried out. Provides an extensive list of research sources to further research development Presents current and thorough research results and critical reviews Includes the most recent technologies used for shelf life extension, bioprocessing simulation and optimization

This volume provides methods to study ice-binding proteins (IBPs), and applications involving these proteins. Chapters are divided into three parts describing identifying, isolating, and purifying ice-binding proteins, characterize both IBPs and ice-nucleating proteins (INPs), and synthesize mimics of IBPs, as well as applications involving these proteins. Written in the format of the highly successful Methods in Molecular Biology series, each chapter includes an introduction to the topic, lists necessary materials and reagents, includes tips on troubleshooting and known pitfalls, and step-by-step, readily reproducible protocols. Authoritative and cutting-edge, Ice Binding Proteins: Methods and Protocols aims to provide both experimental and simulations protocols to help new researchers, break-the-ice, and enter this exciting field, while also supporting established researchers broaden the scope of their investigations.