Evolved yeast cells show a notable increase in freeze-thaw survival rates from about 2% to approximately 70% after stress cycles.
Adaptation involves a quiescence-like state with physiological changes, including increased intracellular trehalose and reduced membrane damage.
The study utilized experimental evolution, genomic analysis, and biophysical measurements to understand adaptation mechanisms in distinct genetic backgrounds.
Findings enhance understanding of microbial survival strategies under extreme conditions, highlighting relevance to broader cellular stress responses.