Effect of cryopreservation on the structural and functional integrity of cell membranes of sugarcane (Saccharum sp.) embryogenic calluses

TL;DR

This study examined how cryopreservation affects sugarcane embryogenic callus cell membranes, measuring electrolyte leakage, lipid peroxidation, and protein content, but found no direct link to survival or plantlet production differences.

Contribution

The paper provides insights into membrane integrity changes post-cryopreservation but highlights the need for further research on biochemical factors affecting regeneration.

Findings

Membrane integrity differences are limited to the first few days after freezing.

No direct correlation between membrane damage and survival rates.

Further biochemical factors influencing regeneration remain unidentified.

Abstract

In this paper, we investigated if the differences consistently noted in survival and plantlet production between cryopreserved and non-cryopreserved, control sugarcane embryogenic calluses were related to modifications induced during cryopreservation in the structural and functional integrity of cell membranes. For this, the evolution of electrolyte leakage, lipid peroxidation products and cell membrane protein contents was measured during 5 d after cryopreservation. Differences between control and frozen calluses were observed only during the first 2 (electrolyte leakage) or 3 d (lipid peroxidation products and membrane protein content) after freezing. It was not possible to link these differences with the differences noted in survival and plant production between control and cryopreserved calluses. Additional studies are thus needed to elucidate which biochemical factors, linked to survival and plantlet regeneration, are affected by cryopreservation.