I’m talking about the real cryogenic stasis, frozen suspended animation, that sci-fi writers fantasize about in books and movies, and scientists theorize and experiment with. Before we dive into how the Wood Frog makes this human fantasy a reality, we need to know how freezing kills an organism.
Back on topic though. How does the wood frog freeze and survive the freeze?
As the temperature drops, the wood frog begins to create a lot of urine within its body but it doesn’t excrete it. One component of urine is urea and it stays in the bloodstream and cells. When this frog begins to freeze, its liver breaks down its stored sugars, or glycogen, into glucose and sends it to the cells. The combination of urea and glucose bind to water in the cells so that water can't bind with other water molecules to form ice. The cells are safe and alive. Eventually, the Wood Frog’s heart and breathing slow to a stop and 2/3rds of its body is frozen. It stays in this state for months! When spring comes and it thaws out, it slowly gets all it's body processes back and is ready to go into mating season in March. Sources Wood Frog Facts
Ectothermic Video Video of developing Wood Frogs: egg to adult frog
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Happy New Post Monday!
As you all have probably heard for the past two months, Winter is here! Here in northern North America, we have freezing temperatures with snow covered hills and sagging icicle covered trees. Some animals migrate and leave the cold behind. Some animals stay and go into sleeping states like torpor or hibernation in their hidden homes. Then there is the Wood Frog who says, no to leaving and sleeping through the wintry chill. Instead, the Wood Frog freezes into a frog-cicle, a state with no heartbeat or breathing. (This is not a technical term). Then it thaws in the warmer temperatures of spring, perfectly fine, healthy, and ready for mating season. Bonus Photograph: I usually only get to see my animals in photos online but, last summer, I found this adorable little Wood Frog while hiking the forests of Wachusett Reservoir. |
Artist and Blogger
I'm just a doodling artist. My current style started in a lecture class at MCLA where I began doodling in my notebooks. Now I've started a new series focusing on animals. Archives
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