FREEZING AND DRYING IN INTERTIDAL ALGAE

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Abstract
As much as 80% of the water in intertidal marine algae is frozen when exposed to the low air temperatures that regularly occur in nature. The same sp. may lose 90% of their water by ordinary drying during tidal exposure. Metabolism is greatly depressed in both the frozen and dried states. The ability to withstand drying may be related to freezing hardiness. Some extreme conditions in the Arctic are described. Fucus spends many months frozen in the sea ice at temperatures down to 40[degree]C, yet it is capable of photosynthesis immediately upon being thawed out.