Incorporation of DNA and Protein Precursors into Macromolecules by Bacteria at −15 o C

Key Points

• The aim is to investigate the ability of bacteria to incorporate DNA and protein precursors into macromolecules at low temperatures.
• Bacterial cell suspensions incubated at -15°C for 50 to 100 days
• Assessment of macromolecular synthesis through incorporation into trichloroacetic acid-precipitated material
• Evaluation of inhibition by antibiotics
• Macromolecular synthesis occurred at -15°C but not at -70°C
• Incorporation was significantly inhibited by the presence of antibiotics
• Findings suggest bacterial adaptation to cold environments similar to glacial ice conditions