Presenter: Grace Adrina Balzanelli

Faculty Sponsor: Roger S. Greenwell

School: Worcester State University

Research Area: Biology

Session: Poster Session 3, 1:15 PM - 2:00 PM, Concourse, B4

ABSTRACT

The McMurdo Dry Valleys of Antarctica are part of the largest desert on Earth, where the freezing temperatures, high aridity, and solar radiation contribute to an extreme environment where limited microorganisms can survive. Cultivation of cold-acclimated extremophiles poses a challenge, but their characterization may provide insights into adaptations and functionality with a wide range of potential applications, including medical, biotechnological, and industrial applications. Two soil samples were originally acquired in 2016, collected from two different depths at the same site. These samples were collected at -20°C and were dated to between 13-17 million years old.

Aliquots of soil were suspended and diluted in sterile water, then plated and incubated on different media conditions (e.g. tryptic soy agar, minimal media with different carbon sources) and at different temperatures (30°C, 22°C, or 4°C). From those plates, we have successfully cultivated and biochemically characterized 25 bacteria and 1 fungal isolate. Several isolates will undergo whole genome sequencing to identify genes and enzymes involved in climate adaptations or other functions that could include antibiotic production and/or resistance, radiation resistance, or breakdown of complex metabolites. We are also performing metagenomic analysis to generate a snapshot of the microbial diversity present within this ancient soil. Studying the diversity and genetic potential of ancient microbes can provide insights into their evolution, adaptability, and impact on the environment.