Study shows how bacterium tweaks its lipopolysaccharides to survive chill of Antarctic lake
Adaptations seem at odds with survival strategies adopted by related species
Scientists have uncovered some of the unique biochemical survival tactics employed by a species of Pseudomonas found living in an ice-covered lake in Antarctica. Their analysis of the cells’ outer membrane showed how hydroxylation and phosphorylation patterns in the lipid A portion of its lipopolysaccharides help the bacterium tolerate near-freezing temperatures.