Germplasm refers to the living genetic resource of such biological materials as seeds, pollen, animal sperm, eggs, embryos, and larvae. Cryopreservation maintains these materials at extremely low temperatures. The technology is used in medicine as well as to maintain biological diversity, preserve genetic resources, support breeding programs, and conserve endangered species. This 10-page fact sheet written by Huiping Yang and Terrence R. Tiersch and published by the UF/IFAS School of Forest Resources and Conservation Program in Fisheries and Aquatic Sciences introduces the basic concepts, history, principles, and applications of germplasm cryopreservation technology.
https://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/fa223