Dr. William Driedzic - November 22

Low temperature activation of glyceroneogenesis
prevents freezing in rainbow smelt (Osmerus mordax)

Rainbow smelt (Osmerus mordax) is a small coastal fish that thrives at winter sea water temperatures. Glycerol is synthesized in high amounts resulting in an increase in osmotic pressure that lowers the freeze point of the fish and allows it to remain in water where it otherwise would freeze.

The key biochemical adaptations that allow an activation of glycerol synthesis as temperature decreases will be presented.