In Vivo Detection of Membrane Injury at Freezing Temperatures

Abstract
The release of HCN from Amelanchier alnifolia Nutt. was monitored at 30.degree. and -10.degree. C following lethal freezing at both slow and fast rates. Assuming that HCN release indicates membrane damage, it was concluded that during a fatal freeze-thaw cycle membrane damage occurred during cell contraction and was not dependent upon membrane area expansion during thawing.