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Related Experiment Videos

Bacterial activity in South Pole snow.

E J Carpenter1, S Lin, D G Capone

  • 1Marine Sciences Research Center, State University of New York, Stony Brook, New York 11794, USA.

Applied and Environmental Microbiology
|September 30, 2000
PubMed
Summary

Bacteria thrive in Antarctic snow and ice, even at subzero temperatures. Studies found psychrophilic and Deinococcus genus bacteria, showing metabolic activity in extreme cold.

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Area of Science:

  • Microbiology
  • Environmental Science
  • Polar Research

Background:

  • Antarctic surface snow and firn harbor microbial life.
  • Understanding microbial survival in extreme cold is crucial for polar ecosystem studies.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate bacterial populations in South Pole snow.
  • To identify bacterial species and assess their metabolic activity at subzero temperatures.

Main Methods:

  • Sampling of surface snow and firn from the South Pole.
  • DNA isolation and ribosomal DNA sequencing.
  • Measurement of bacterial DNA and protein synthesis rates.

Main Results:

  • Large bacterial populations (200–5,000 cells/ml) were detected.
  • Sequences identified included psychrophilic bacteria and the Deinococcus genus.
  • Evidence of low-rate DNA and protein synthesis at -12 to -17°C was observed.

Conclusions:

  • Bacteria are metabolically active in Antarctic snow at subzero temperatures.
  • The presence of psychrophilic and Deinococcus species suggests adaptation to extreme cold, radiation, and desiccation.

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