Psychrophily and Resistance to Low Temperature

This article considers the phenomenon of psychrophily, the ability to grow down to or below 0 °C, as displayed by microorganisms. Being small, bacteria, yeasts, fungi, and microalgae are unable to insulate themselves against the effects of cold; therefore, they must adapt their structure if they are to survive and grow successfully in cold habitats. Following a discussion of the types of cold-adapted microorganisms, their growth characteristics, and the different cold environments they inhabit, the focus of this article is on cold-adaptation of cellular components.