Lecture 5 - Cryopreservation Flashcards
What are the two main types of cryopreservation techniques discussed in the source?
Slow freezing
Vitrification
What is the cooling rate for slow freezing?
≤1°C/min
What is the cooling rate for vitrification?
25,000°C/mi
What is the goal of cryopreservation in terms of ice crystal formation?
To minimize or eliminate the formation of ice crystals, which can damage cells
What are the two main types of cryoprotectants?
Permeable cryoprotectants
Non-permeable cryoprotectants
Give two examples of permeable cryoprotectants.
Dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO)
Glycerol
Give two examples of non-permeable cryoprotectants.
Sucrose
Albumin.
What is the function of a permeable cryoprotectant?
To enter the cell and replace water, stabilizing intracellular proteins and reducing the temperature at which ice crystals form.
To enter the cell and replace water, stabilizing intracellular proteins and reducing the temperature at which ice crystals form.
To remain outside the cell and draw water out via osmotic pressure, controlling cell dehydration
Which cryopreservation technique has higher thaw survival rates?
Vitrification
Name three types of cells or tissues that can be cryopreserved.
Embryos
●
Oocytes
●
Sperm
What is the approximate survival rate for vitrified oocytes?
85%
What is the name of the specialized container used to transport embryos and gametes?
Dry shipper
What is the advantage of using a dry shipper for transporting embryos and gametes?
It maintains low temperatures for several days while complying with shipping regulations, as it contains no free liquid nitrogen.
