Microbial Diversity of Extreme Regions: An Unseen Heritage and Wealth

摘要

Extreme environments represent a unique ecosystem which harbour novel microbial flora. India is one among 12 mega-biodiversity countries and 25 hotspots of the richest and highly endangered eco-regions of the world. Thermophiles from hot springs can be a source for enzymes that are active at high temperatures. They can also be used for decomposition process. Psychrophiles can be a source of anti freezing compounds. Halophiles and osmophiles can be a source of genes coding for osmolytes and can be used for the development of transgenic plants tolerant to salt and drought stress.