Microbial Ecology of Extreme Environments

1. Front Matter

   Pages i-xv

   PDF

2. Introduction

   • Caroline Chénard, Federico M. Lauro

   Pages 1-6

3. Ecogenomics of Deep-Ocean Microbial Bathytypes

   • Logan M. Peoples, Douglas H. Bartlett

   Pages 7-50

4. Adaptations of Cold- and Pressure-Loving Bacteria to the Deep-Sea Environment: Cell Envelope and Flagella

   • Kamila K. Myka, David J. Allcock, Emiley A. Eloe-Fadrosh, Theodora Tryfona, Andreas F. Haag, Federico M. Lauro et al.

   Pages 51-80

5. Microbial Electron Transport in the Deep Subsurface

   • Jamie Hinks, Mi Zhou, Jan Dolfing

   Pages 81-102

6. Metagenomics of Hyperthermophilic Environments: Biodiversity and Biotechnology

   • Andrea Strazzulli, Roberta Iacono, Rosa Giglio, Marco Moracci, Beatrice Cobucci-Ponzano

   Pages 103-135

7. Crenarchaeal Viruses of Hot Springs: Diversity, Ecology and Co-evolution

   • Alice C. Ortmann

   Pages 137-167

8. New Insights into the Microbial Diversity of Polar Desert Soils: A Biotechnological Perspective

   • Josie van Dorst, Nicole Benaud, Belinda Ferrari

   Pages 169-183

9. Exploring the Viral Ecology of High Latitude Aquatic Systems

   • Caroline Chénard, Federico M. Lauro

   Pages 185-200

10. The Nature and Relevance of Solvent Stress in Microbes and Mechanisms of Tolerance

    • Mike Manefield, Matthew Lee, Joanna Koenig

    Pages 201-213

11. Clouds: A Transient and Stressing Habitat for Microorganisms

    • Anne Marie Delort, Mickael Vaïtilingom, Muriel Joly, Pierre Amato, Nolwenn Wirgot, Audrey Lallement et al.

    Pages 215-245

This book 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.


This book aims to provide a useful reference for those who want to start a research program in extreme microbiology and, hopefully, inspire new research directions. 

• Biotechnology Application
• Extreme Environments
• Extreme Enzymes
• Extremophiles
• Microbial Diversity
• Microbial Ecology
• Virus

• Singapore Center Envmtl. Life Sc. Engineer., Nanyang Technological Univ., Singapore, Singapore

  Caroline Chénard, Federico M. Lauro

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.

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