Antifreeze Proteins (AFPs) are secreted by the cold-blooded animals which resist the formation of ice-crystals in their blood
Antifreeze proteins (AFRs) are highly biological antifreeze substances originally discovered in polar bear; these substances can bind with thick polar bear ice and effectively inhibit the metabolic growth of the polar bear's body tissues. Polar bears live in cold or ice-rich waters below the freezing point. The occurrence of these antifreeze proteins was earlier ascribed to a molecular process called catalysis. At very high temperatures, the temperature inside the cell remains constant, while the external temperature changes abruptly; this is due to the presence of antifreeze proteins. The role of antifreeze proteins lies in the fact that they help in preventing the escape of chemical energy inside the cells of a living organism, in a process called oxidation. It was also observed that the production of these proteins is dependent on the activity of a particular type of yeast. Apart from marine life, the consumption of other toxic proteins can also affect humans who may become