Approximately 80% of the Earth’s biosphere is made up of cold temperature environments, that is, at temperatures below 5<sup>○</sup>C. The microorganisms that thrive in cold temperatures, psychrophiles, have adapted mechanisms that allow them to protect themselves from the stresses of these harsh environments, Antarctic bacteria, particularly those with pigments, have shown increased cryotolerance compared to mesophiles. To characterize and understand the resilience of these organisms, bacteria isolated from Antarctic environments were subjected to cycles of repeated freezing and thawing. The lipid and pigment content of the organisms was assessed using Gas-Chromatography Mass Spectrometry. Membrane proteins were examined by gel electrophoresis and Liquid-Chromatography Mass Spectrometry. Using these methods we are able to link cryotolerance to physical characteristics of Antarctic bacteria. This research represents the first ‘omics-level analysis of freeze thaw stress on Antarctic bacteria.

Thriving in the cold: The link between cryotolerance and Antarctic bacterial membranes

251st National Meeting (2016)

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