Psychrophilic enzymes: hot topics in cold adaptation.
More than three-quarters of the Earth's surface is occupied by cold ecosystems, including the ocean depths, and polar and alpine regions. These permanently cold environments have been successfully colonized by a class of extremophilic microorganisms that are known as psychrophiles (which literally means cold-loving). The ability to thrive at temperatures that are close to, or below, the freezing point of water requires a vast array of adaptations to maintain the metabolic rates and sustained growth compatible with life in these severe environmental conditions.
Feller
Georges
G
Laboratory of Biochemistry, Institute of Chemistry B6, University of Liège, B-4000 Liège-Sart Tilman, Belgium. gfeller@ulg.ac.be
Gerday
Charles
C
D000222:Adaptation, Physiological; D001419:Bacteria / Q000201:enzymology* / Q000235:genetics / Q000254:growth & development; D001426:Bacterial Proteins / Q000235:genetics / Q000378:metabolism; D003081:Cold Climate; D003080:Cold Temperature; D000516:alpha-Amylases / Q000235:genetics / Q000378:metabolism
D001426:Bacterial Proteins; D000516:alpha-Amylases