[Stabilizing action of heavy water (D20) on the cell]

Literature data and our own findings show convincingly that heavy water (D2O) stabilizing proteins against denaturants and proteinases increases cell thermostability in plants and animals and that of microorganisms. In Drosophila, along with cell and organism thermostabilities, it enhances thermophilia. Evidence is given in favour of the suggestion that the protein stabilization is responsible for the above biological effects of D2O, although heavy water may increase the melting temperature of nucleic acids and, but slightly, of lipids.