Fro
sty Flora: Cold Plant Facts
While many of us prefer warm weather, some plants have adapted to survive in sub-zero temperatures. From antifreeze-filled cells to waxy coatings, here are some fascinating cold plant facts:
1. Some plants have antifreeze-like properties. Arctic plants like dwarf willow store sugars and amino acids in their cells to keep them from freezing. Other plants, like winter rye and carrots, convert sugars into alcohols that lower the freezing point of their cells.
2. Certain plants can freeze solid without being damaged. The Baikal skullcap, a flowering plant found in Siberia, can survive temperatures as low as -40°C. Its cells contain ice nucleating proteins that help them freeze uniformly, preventing damage.
3. Many plants produce their own "antifreeze" proteins. These molecules bind to ice crystals and prevent large ice formations from forming, protecting the plant's cells. Some of these antifreeze proteins have been studied for their potential use in cryopreservation of human organs and tissues.
4. Pine trees have special membranes that protect them from frost. Their needles are coated in a waxy substance that prevents water loss and protects them from extreme cold.
5. Some plants are able to move to warmer areas during the winter. The silver birch, for example, has a unique root system that allows it to move underground during the winter months to a location that is warmer and where there is still access to water.
6. The flowering of some plants is triggered by cold weather. This is known as vernalization and is common in plants such as winter wheat and canola. The cold temperatures stimulate specific genes that promote flowering when warmer weather returns.
7. Cold temperatures can also affect the coloration of plants. For example, the leaves of some deciduous trees turn red or purple in the fall due to the breakdown of chlorophyll and the accumulation of pigments like anthocyanins.
8. Certain crops, such as cranberries, actually improve in flavor after exposure to freezing temperatures. The freezing process breaks down the cell walls of the fruit, making it easier to extract the juice and resulting in a sweeter taste.
While we may bundle up and stay indoors during the winter months, some plants are thriving in the cold weather. Their unique adaptations and abilities to survive in extreme temperatures are truly amazing.
