Pseudomonas prosekii is a new bacterium discovered in Antarctica by microbiologists from the Faculty of Science. This soil microorganism has been named after professor Pavel Prošek, the man behind the establishing on James Ross Island of Masaryk University's Czech Research Station in Antarctica.
Scientists began their collection and study of microorganisms on the island in 2008. They discovered that this region of Antarctica is surprisingly abundant in microorganisms, some of which are of species new to science.
“Using the most up-to-date methods we have identified a new species of bacterium of the Pseudomonas genus, which produces a fluorescent pigment," stated Ivo Sedláček of the Faculty of Science's Department of Experimental Biology.
“I'm delighted that we have succeeded in discovering a new microorganism. This is a success for Masaryk University and for Czech science," said Prošek of the discovery that bears his name.
Information on the discovery of the bacterium will appear in the prestigious, high-impact-factor journal Current Microbiology, which has undertaken to publish an article on the subject by a team of authors led by postgraduate student Marcel Kosina.
The microbiologists are processing hundreds of samples and expect to find more new species and perhaps even genera of bacteria. The one that they have just described, is a soil species. It is rod-shaped, has flagella at the back that enable it to move, and produces yellowy-green fluorescent pigment.
Pseudomonas prosekii is a cryophilic species. It has great biotechnological potential owing to its enzymatic activity. Sedláček explains: “These are microorganisms that are capable of producing various enzymes and other substances, even at low temperatures of around 5°C."
Microorganisms play an important role in the creation of Antarctica's soil composition. Furthermore, the detailed study of these organisms is enabling scientists to map the manifestations of global climate change in the area of the Antarctic Peninsula and to assess how these affect living organisms there.
Scientists from Masaryk University will continue in their research of microorganisms living in soil and water and now of bacteria settled in the mucous membranes and digestive tracts of seals and penguins. Miloš Barták, who was involved in the collection of microbiological samples, explains: “The research is also important for our understanding of the biodiversity of Antarctic ecosystems and our efforts to conserve them."