Cold-adaptation of Antarctic microorganisms – possible involvement of viable but nonculturable state

Abstract

Occurrence of the viable but nonculturable (VBNC) form of microorganisms in nature is well known. Evidence available in the literature indicates that low temperature may induce microorganisms to form VBNC cells. The VBNC state of some bacteria, collected from Antarctic lakes, has been recently reported. Hence it is postulated that formation of VBNC cells may be one of the strategies adopted by Antarctic microorganisms to survive in the extreme cold climate.