Cryomicroscope studies of the freezing process in tissue and in model systems
Resume The freezing of thin tissue sections of various vegetables, and of muscle fibres, has been followed on a cryomicroscope at different freezing rates. Discrete freezing events have been identified in vegetable tissue. In some cases individual cells have been observed to freeze in stages. The characteristic supercoolings sustained before the freezing events occur have been identified. The propagation of ice crystals down the fibre direction of muscle fibres has also been noted, together with the occurrence of damage loci in the thawed fibres. Controlled freezing of simple sugar solutions has demonstrated a relationship between the conditions of freezing, and the dendritic structures which result.