Microbial Journey: Mount Everest to Mars

Abstract

A rigorous exploration of microbial diversity has revealed its presence on Earth, deep oceans, and vast space. The presence of microbial life in diverse environmental conditions, ranging from moderate to extreme temperature, pH, salinity, oxygen, radiations, and altitudes, has provided the necessary impetus to search for them by extending the limits of their habitats. Microbiology started as a distinct science in the mid-nineteenth century and has provided inputs for the betterment of mankind during the last 150 years. As beneficial microbes are assets and pathogens are detrimental, studying both have its own merits. Scientists are nowadays working on illustrating the microbial dynamics in Earth's subsurface, deep sea, and polar & Vipin Chandra Kalia

Quorum Sensing: Unravelling the Intricacies of Microbial Communication for Biofilm Formation, Biogeochemical Cycling, and Biotechnological Applications

“…Extensive research has significantly advanced the understanding of bacteria, particularly concerning their lifecycle. From the earliest investigations into basic phenomena, such as food fermentation, research has progressed to uncovering the presence of disease-causing pathogens in diverse ecological niches, including plant rhizosphere soil, deep ocean zones, alpine peaks, and other extreme environments [1]. Among the notable discoveries is the phenomenon of cell-to-cell communication, known as "quorum sensing," which occurs within bacterial communities, both within and between species.…”

Genomic Insights into the Radiation-Resistant Capability of Sphingomonas qomolangmaensis S5-59T and Sphingomonas glaciei S8-45T, Two Novel Bacteria from the North Slope of Mount Everest

“…[ 1 , 2 ]. Generally, such extreme habitats are considered to be uninhabitable by most lifeforms [ 3 ]. However, some studies have reported that the polar regions’ (comprising the Antarctic, Arctic, and Tibetan Plateau) soils harbor distinct survival patterns of microbial diversity and exhibit dominant, special functional phylotypes that adapt to harsh conditions [ 4 ].…”

“…For instance, Yang et al investigated the Planococcus halotolerant Y50 T that was isolated from the Tibet Plateau, which possessed the ability of petroleum degradation, as well as antioxidant, radiation resistance, and cold adaptation [ 5 ]; further, Lentzea tibetensis FXJ1.1311 T was isolated from the soil of the Tibetan Plateau, which showed antimicrobial activity against Gram-positive bacteria and Fusarium oxysporum [ 6 ]. Additionally, more novel microbial resources with special functions formed by adaptation to such extreme environments could survive here [ 3 , 7 , 8 , 9 ]. As we all know, the high-altitude Mount Everest in the Tibetan Plateau region of China has currently been receiving a large amount of solar radiation—and the higher the altitude, the more cosmic rays it receives [ 3 , 10 ].…”

“…Additionally, more novel microbial resources with special functions formed by adaptation to such extreme environments could survive here [ 3 , 7 , 8 , 9 ]. As we all know, the high-altitude Mount Everest in the Tibetan Plateau region of China has currently been receiving a large amount of solar radiation—and the higher the altitude, the more cosmic rays it receives [ 3 , 10 ]. Previous studies have reported that a large number of bacteria with radiation resistance live in the moraine soils of the glacier at high altitudes; further, they also have strong antioxidant and cold resistance functions, as well as other functions to cope with the extreme conditions [ 8 , 11 , 12 ].…”