Microbial Ecology of Extreme Environments

About this book

Microbial Ecology of Extreme Environments explores microbial lifestyles, biochemical adaptations, and trophic interactions occurring in extreme environments. By summarizing the latest findings in the field it provides a valuable reference for future studies. Spark ideas for biotechnological and commercial exploitation of microbiomes at the extremes of life are presented. Chapters on viruses complement this highly informative book.

In a vertical journey through the microbial biosphere it covers aspects of cold environments, hot environments, extreme saline environments, and extreme pressure environments, and more. From the deep sea, through polar deserts, up to the clouds in the air – the diversity of microbial life in all habitats is described, explored, and comprehensively reviewed. Possible biotechnical applications are discussed.

Microbial Ecology of Extreme Environments aims to provide a useful reference for those who want to start a research program in extreme microbiology and, hopefully, inspire new research directions.

Contents

- Introduction
- Ecogenomics of Deep-Ocean Microbial Bathytypes
- Adaptations of cold- and pressure-loving bacteria to the deep-sea environment: cell envelope and flagella
- Microbial electron transport in the deep subsurface
- Metagenomics of hyperthermophilic environments: biodiversity and biotechnology
- Crenarchaeal viruses of hot springs: diversity, ecology and co-evolution
- New insights into the microbial diversity of polar desert soils: a biotechnological perspective
- Exploring the viral ecology of high latitude aquatic systems
- The nature and relevance of solvent stress in microbes and mechanisms of tolerance
- Clouds: a transient and stressing habitat for microorganisms

Customer Reviews

Biography

Caroline Chénard is a viral ecologist with extensive knowledge and experience working with viruses infecting phytoplankton. Her main research interests include viral genomic and metagenomic as well as virus-host interactions. Some of her previous works include the discovery of a new lineage of viruses infecting polar cyanobacteria. She also has conducted many scientific cruises and field work in both polar regions.

Federico Lauro is a microbial ecologist who pioneered the bioinformatic analysis of metagenomic data to study marine plankton ecology. He has substantial expertise in experimental and computational approaches, including the latest "omic" technologies to study microbial communities. His research has investigated the molecular basis of adaptations to low temperature and high hydrostatic pressure. He received the Ermanno Bellio prize in 2000 and the Lowell Thomas Award in 2015.