Polar and alpine microbiology

Scientists, politicians and the general public alike now share the conviction that understanding (micro)biology of polar and alpine systems is of paramount importance to many urgent questions related to global climate, shrinking of polar areas and disappearing of glaciers and other habitats, with the concomitant threat of species extinctions, such as that of the polar bear. Most of the Earth's biosphere is characterized by low temperatures (below 5 °C) and cold-adapted microorganisms are now known to be widespread in nature. Low temperatures and freezing conditions influence microbial life in multiple ways, e.g. reduced biochemical reaction rates, changes in membrane fluidity and protein conformation, ability to reproduce successfully, and the need for protection against freezing. There is thus considerable interest in understanding the adaptations, activities and survival of microorganisms in cold environments, as well as the ecological interactions of communities active in these environments. However, these …