Abstract:

For the uniquely geographic and climatic features in Antarctic, there are abundant resources of cold adapted microorganisms, and these microorganisms possess specially genetic and physiological and biochemical properties. Microorganisms act as an important role in the ecosystems in Antarctica, and they possess a considerable potential in basic research and biotechnological application (waste treatment at ambient temperatures, enzymology, food industry, medicine),too. This article briefly describes the general situations of researching in antarctic cold adapted microorganisms and researching achievements (emphasized on microbiological physiology, biochemistry and gene) in recent years, and make further discussion on prospects of these cold adapted microorganisms in application.