Cryopreservation of two-celled pollen: a model system for studying the cellular mechanisms of cryoinjury and recovery.

Abstract

Cryopreservation serves as an invaluable technique for safeguarding the genetic diversity of plants and various organisms, while also facilitating fundamental biological research. Despite notable advancements in this field, the cryopreservation of certain cell types and tissues remains challenging, particularly those that exhibit sensitivity to low temperatures. Two-celled pollen is a promising model system for the study of cryopreservation. By exploring the cryopreservation of two-celled pollen, deeper insights can be gained into the cellular and molecular mechanisms of cryoinjury and recovery. This knowledge can be used to develop new and improved cryopreservation protocols for a wider range of cell types and tissues. It is relatively simple, consisting of only two cells, and it is relatively easy to cryopreserve and culture. In addition to its potential for improving cryopreservation technologies, the study of two-celled pollen cryopreservation can also shed light on fundamental biological processes such as cell division, development, and stress tolerance. By unlocking the mysteries of two-celled pollen cryopreservation, we can gain a deeper understanding of nature's inner workings. This article reviews examples of studies that have successfully used two-celled pollen cryopreservation, highlighting key findings and discoveries enabled by this technique as case studies.