Freezing and thawing in Antarctica: characterization of antifreeze protein (AFP) producing microorganisms isolated from King George Island, Antarctica.

ABSTRACT: Antarctic temperature variations and long periods of freezing shaped the evolution of microorganisms with unique survival mechanisms. These resilient organisms exhibit several adaptations for life in extreme cold. In such ecosystems, microorganisms endure the absence of liquid water and exhibit resistance to freezing by producing water-binding molecules such as antifreeze proteins (AFP). AFPs modify the ice structure, lower the freezing point, and inhibit recrystallization. The objective of this study was to select and identify microorganisms isolated from different Antarctic ecosystems based on their resistance to temperatures below 0 °C. Furthermore, the study sought to characterize these microorganisms regarding their potential antifreeze adaptive mechanisms. Samples of soil, moss, perm

SUBMITTER: Lopes JC 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC11153389 | biostudies-literature | 2024 Jun

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature