Abstract
Thirty-three fungal strains, isolated from different sites on Victoria Land (continental Antarctica), were plate-screened for their ability to produce twelve extracellular enzymes. Lipases were generally present and in high quantities in almost all the strains. Polygalacturonase, as well as amylase and phosphatase, was common. Glucose oxidase, protease and DNAase appeared to be generally low or absent. Many strains, producing a limited number of enzymes, appeared to have a low eco-nutritional versatility while a few, such as Verticillium cfr. lecanii no. 1, V. cfr. lecanii no. 3, Aspergillus versicolor and Phoma sp. no. 2, showing a diversified enzymatic competence, are probably advantaged in extreme terrestrial environments characterized by low competition. The possibility of utilizing the enzyme-producing ability of these fungi in applied research is also discussed.
Similar content being viewed by others
Author information
Authors and Affiliations
Additional information
Received: 3 November 1995/Accepted: 29 May 1996
Rights and permissions
About this article
Cite this article
Fenice, M., Selbmann, L., Zucconi, L. et al. Production of extracellular enzymes by Antarctic fungal strains. Polar Biol 17, 275–280 (1997). https://doi.org/10.1007/s003000050132
Issue Date:
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s003000050132