Cryopreserve, pronounced [kraɪoʊprɪˈzɜːrv], refers to the process of preserving biological material at extremely low temperatures. The word is formed from the combination of two Greek elements, "kryos" meaning cold and "preserve" meaning to protect from harm. The IPA phonetic transcription helps to understand the spelling of the word, as each symbol represents a specific sound within the word. Cr stands for the initial consonant cluster, followed by the diphthong ai, representing the long i sound, and the stress on the middle syllable "o."
Cryopreserve, a verb, refers to the process of preserving biological materials, such as cells, tissues, and organs, by freezing them at extremely low temperatures. This technique aims to suspend the internal processes of these materials, preventing any further deterioration and maintaining their biological integrity and functionality for an extended period.
The cryopreservation process involves gradually lowering the temperature of the specimen to extremely low levels, typically below -100 degrees Celsius (-148 degrees Fahrenheit) or even colder. This extreme cold slows down metabolic and biochemical reactions, effectively halting the degradation and preserving the sample for future use.
Cryopreservation is commonly used in various scientific fields, particularly in medicine, research, and agriculture. It allows scientists to store living cells, tissues, or entire organs for extended periods, providing invaluable opportunities for medical advancements and scientific discoveries.
The preservation of biological materials through cryopreservation offers several benefits. It enables the storage and banking of cells for transplantation purposes, ensuring a readily available source for life-saving treatments. Furthermore, it allows researchers to maintain a diverse collection of genetic resources, aiding in conservation efforts and facilitating the study of rare or endangered species.
In summary, cryopreserve is the process of freezing biological materials, such as cells, tissues, and organs, to extremely low temperatures to halt deterioration and maintain their biological integrity for future use in medicine, research, and agricultural applications.
The word "cryopreserve" is derived from two roots: "cryo-" and "preserve".
1. "Cryo-" comes from the Greek word "kryos" (κρύος), meaning "cold" or "frost". It is commonly used as a prefix in scientific terms related to low temperatures.
2. "Preserve" comes from the Latin word "praeservare", which means "to guard" or "to keep safe". It is used to describe the action of protecting, maintaining, or saving something.
When combined, "cryopreserve" refers to the process of preserving or storing something, typically biological materials or organisms, at extremely low temperatures.