AGRICULTURE AND ENVIRONMENTAL bIOTECHNOLOGY

Survival of microorganisms in the Antarctic and Arctic conditions of life requires of the relevant genera and species special adaptability and resistance against stressors such as lack of substrate, UV-radiation, low temperatures for a long time and short-term intense heat during the Antarctic and Arctic summer. Therefore genetic adaptation of Antarctic and Arctic organisms to stress factors would be expected. All this suggests in a global aspect synthesis of new metabolites with unique structures and specific biological activity. Antarctic and Arctic polar regions are considered as a huge reservoir of microorganisms with versatile antimicrobial potential. Our studies are motivated by an interest in the functional role played by natural products in the ecological interactions of the polar strains with the other members of the microbial community. This overview presents some of the most important secondary metabolites (antibiotics, alkaloids, high carbon amino acids, nitro compounds, diketopiperazines etc.) produced by Antarctic and Arctic microorganisms. The secondary metabolites biosynthesis probably plays an important role in the adaptation and survival of microorganisms in the ice deserts of Antarctica and the Arctic.