Why would the formation of ice cystals inside a cell cause t

Why would the formation of ice cystals inside a cell cause the cell to rupture?

Solution

The cell remains elastic due to the free cell membrane. Cell membrane consists of cholesterol. Cholesterol maintains membrane integrity. If the cell is at lower temperature, it maintains the fluidity. If the cell is at higher temperature, it maintains rigidity.

When ice crystals form inside the cell, the cell freezes. Intracellular components freeze without any enzymatic actions. Even the cell membrane freezes and becomes rigid. At such low temperature, cholesterol even cannot maintain the fluidity. Cell membrane being frozen and rigid, is more prone to rupture.