Biostasis is the ability of an organism to tolerate environmental changes without having to adapt to them. The term is also used as a synonym for cryostasis or cryonics. Cryonics is the practice of cryopreserving humans and pets that have recently died. Cryopreservation, is a process where cells or whole tissues are preserved by cooling to low sub-zero temperatures, in order to stop any biological activity, including the biochemical reactions that would lead to cell death. Without the use of vitrification solutions, the cells being preserved are often damaged due to freezing during the approach to low temperatures or warming to room temperature. In vitrification, anti-freeze substances called cryoprotectants are used to prevent ice by replacing water with cryoprotectant prior to cooling. Instead of crystallizing, the liquid solution hardens like glass.
