BIOLOGY AND BIOTECHNOLOGICAL POTENTIAL OF HALOTOLERANT BACTERIA FROM ANTARCTIC SALINE LAKES

The saline lakes of the Vestfold Hills, Antarctica, are unique ecosyst ems in which microorganisms survive and grow in cold, saline and often anaerobic conditions. A polyphasic approach to taxonomy of the microb iota has extended the known range of microbial diversity through descr iption of nine new species including bacteria and archaea. Low tempera ture and reduced water activity are the major constraints on microbial growth in the lakes. Belehradek-type models provide a good descriptio n of temperature dependence and indicate the potential of the microbio ta to colonise their natural habitats. Physiological traits of the mic robiota selected by the physical and chemical characteristics of the s aline lakes suggest biotechnological potential in areas such as polyun saturated fatty acid production and hydrocarbon degradation.