Taxonomic characterization of psychrophilic bacteria isolated from Antarctica

Abstract

The Antarctic continent is considered a region with extreme weather conditions, with low temperatures, high incidence of UV radiation and water deficit. It has a very unique biome, which means that much of its biological heritage can not be found anywhere else on the planet. Therefore, it is expected to find microrganisms adapted to these conditions (extremophiles), which can be exploited for the identification of unique and versatile metabolic approaches with possible biotechnological applications in various fields. The development of recent research in our laboratory with prokaryotes and fungi of Antarctica allowed the isolation of a large number of micro-organisms (around 1200) from that region, many of them possibly indigenous, not cataloged and not yet studied for the production of potential bioactive compounds. Based on this repertoire of microrganisms, the objective of this project is the taxonomic characterization of the isolated bacteria, around 600, by molecular methods, such as extraction of genomic DNA, amplification of the 16S rRNA gene sequence and phylogenetic analysis. In addition, microrganisms identical based on 16S rRNA gene will be screened in infra-specific level by RAPD (Random Amplified Polymorphic DNA) to dereplication. Genetically distinct isolates will be deposited in the Brazilian Collection of Microorganisms Environment and Industry (CBMAI / CPQBA) and will be made a literature review to know the species with potential biotechnological use.