Physiological characteristics of polar and alpine bacteria according to the taxonomy, habitat, and geographical origin

Abstract

Microorganisms in polar and alpine areas are adapted to harsh environments by means of special physiological adaption mechanisms that include cold-adapted enzymes. To investigate the physiological characteristics such as growth temperature and extracellular enzyme production according to the taxonomy, habitat, and geographical origin, 185 bacterial strains from Polar and Alpine Microbial Collection (PAMC) were selected. Bacterial strains were selected to represent diverse geographical origins, habitats, and taxonomic groups. The number of strains that could grow at 4℃ was 126 and the number increased to 25℃ and then decreased. Bacteria originated from Antarctica showed high enzyme activities compared with that of other areas. All strains originated from algae, animal, cryoconite, and sea water and strains included in the genus of Olleya (Bacteroidetes) and Pseudoalteromonas (Gammaproteobacteria) showed extracellular enzymes (protease, lipase, and cellulase) activities.ure and extracellular enzyme production according to the taxonomy, habitat, and geographical origin, 185 bacterial strains from Polar and Alpine Microbial Collection (PAMC) were selected. Bacterial strains were selected to represent diverse geographical origins, habitats, and taxonomic groups. The number of strains that could grow at 4℃ was 126 and the number increased to 25℃ and then decreased. Bacteria originated from Antarctica showed high enzyme activities compared with that of other areas. All strains originated from algae, animal, cryoconite, and sea water and strains included in the genus of Olleya (Bacteroidetes) and Pseudoalteromonas (Gammaproteobacteria) showed extracellular enzymes (protease, lipase, and cellulase) activities.