The subzero microbiome: Microbial activity in frozen and thawing soils ...

• Main Authors: Nikrad, Mrinalini P., Kerkhof, Lee J., Häggblom, Max M.
• Format: Text
• Language: English
• Published: Rutgers University 2017
• Subjects: Permafrost; Tundra soils; Psychrophilic bacteria; Subzero activity; Climatic changes; Greenhouse gases; permafrost; Tundra
• Online Access: https://dx.doi.org/10.7282/t3571f35; https://scholarship.libraries.rutgers.edu/esploro/outputs/acceptedManuscript/991031550037504646

Most of the Earth's biosphere is characterized by low temperatures (<5 °C) and cold-adapted microorganisms are widespread. These psychrophiles have evolved a complex range of adaptations of all cellular constituents to counteract the potentially deleterious effects of low kinetic energy environments and the freezing of water. Microbial life continues into the subzero temperature range, and this activity contributes to carbon and nitrogen flux in and out of ecosystems, ultimately affecting global processes. Microbial responses to climate warming and in particular, thawing of frozen soils are not yet well understood although the threat of microbial contribution to positive feedback of carbon flux is substantial. To date, several studies have examined microbial community dynamics in frozen soils and permafrost due to changing environmental conditions, and some have undertaken the complicated task of characterizing microbial functional groups and how their activity changes with changing conditions, either in ...