Practice question

Cryopreservation ensures long-term conservation by storing viable cells, tissues, gametes, embryos, seeds, and pollen at ultra-low temperature where metabolism essentially halts but viability retained upon thawing. Standard method uses liquid nitrogen at -196°C boiling point, with slow freezing or vitrification using cryoprotectants dimethyl sulfoxide DMSO and glycerol preventing intracellular ice crystal damage. Applications include preservation of endangered plant germplasm at NBPGR New Delhi, animal gamete biobanking at LaCONES Hyderabad, and microbial culture collections supporting future biotechnology. Knowledge of this distribution aids in understanding endemism patterns and UNESCO heritage site designations across India.