The Freezing Tolerance of Mytilus edulis (Black mussel) and Perna canaliculus (Green mussel)

Overview

Objectives/Goals Cryobiologists are trying to develop procedures for freezing and thawing organs for transplant. Mussels produce a cryoprotectant to help them withstand cold temperatures. This study was conducted to determine if a mussel's cryoprotectant would raise its survival rate after freezing. I believe 100% of the mussels would survive freezing. Methods/Materials Phase I included 9 black mussels and 6 green mussels frozen in three batches in sea water at - 5. Phase II included 7 black mussels and 2 green mussels frozen in two batches without sea water. In both Phases the mussels were frozen for at least 5 hours. The mussels were then thawed, probed, and dissected to determine if they survived. 5 criteria were used to determine the mussels' vitality. Results In Phase I, the survival rate for the black mussels was 56% and for the green mussels was 83%. In Phase II, the survival rate for the black mussels was 86% and the green mussels was 0%. Overall 69% of the black mussels survived and 63% of the green mussels survived. Conclusions/Discussion The survival rate of the mussels was over 50% but less than the 100% I hypthesized. More experimentation would be helpful to determine the longest period a mussel could be frozen and survive. Utilizing a high-powered microscope, the actual change in the cell's structure during and after freezing could be observed.

Competition history

• CSEF 2004 Zoology · Entry J1929

Resources

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