| Summary: | Antifreeze proteins (AFP) were first discovered by De Vries et al.in blood plasmas of Antarctic fish (Notohenioides). Antifreeze proteinsshow a great diversity in their structure, and they are identified in a varietyof organisms including bacteria, insects, plants and fish. They areglycopeptide structures formed by the attachment of a third amino aciddisaccharide molecule of a three amino acid peptide chain and theirrepetition (Ala-Ala-Thr-galactosyl-N-acetyl galactosamine). Antifreezeproteins have special relevance to ice crystals. Because of this interestAntifreeze proteins have the ability to bind ice crystals and control thegrowth and recrystallization of ice crystals. AFPs are very important inpreserving quality and texture by keeping the heat away from frost. Thesespecial proteins, which have important functional properties for the foodindustry, are now being used effectively in the medical, food and industrialfields.
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