Freezing tolerance describes the ability of plants to withstand subzero temperatures through the formation of ice crystals in the xylem and intercellular space, or apoplast, of their cells.
Depending on the plant species, maximum freezing tolerance can be reached after only two weeks of exposure to low temperatures.
Osmotic stress, including dehydration, high salinity, as well as treatment with abscisic acid, can also enhance freezing tolerance.
Wood frogs, juvenile painted turtles, goldenrod gall fly larvae, and intertidal periwinkle snails have all been shown to be capable of the same.
[6] In order to perform such remarkable acts, several biochemical adaptations have been identified as supporting factors to freeze tolerance.