Chapter 16, Problem 68A

Interpretation Introduction

Interpretation: The reason behind the glucose production of the Alaska wood frog whose habitat is cold survives by producing a large amount of glucose in the cell is to be explained.

Concept Introduction: The point temperature at which the liquid converts into a solid is known as the freezing point. Glucose is a carbohydrate that has a low freezing point compared to any other compound/salt.

Explanation of Solution

The freezing point of a solution decreases when the concentration increases. Glucose has very fewer freezing points compared to any other sugars or salts.

The cell is surrounded by various salt compounds example $\text{NaCl}$ whose freezing point is higher compared to glucose.

When the temperature is cold, a high concentration of glucose inside the cell stabilizes the salt concentration outside the cell, thereby, preventing the salts from crystallization.

By this method, Alaska wood frogs survive the cold weather.