Cold adapted : ecology to biotechnology.

The cold adapted microorganisms, psychrophiles/psychrotolerants, go through several modifications at cellular and biochemical levels to alleviate the influence of low temperature stress conditions. The low temperature environments depend on these cold adapted microorganisms for various ecological processes. The ability of the microorganisms to function in cold environments depends on the strategies directly associated with cell metabolism, physicochemical constrains, and stress factors. is one among such group of microorganisms which is predominant in cold environments with a wide range of ecological and biotechnological applications. Bioformulations of spp., possessing plant growth promotion and biocontrol abilities for application under low temperature environments, are well documented. Further, recent advances in high throughput sequencing provide essential information regarding the prevalence of in rhizospheres and their role in plant health. Cold adapted species of are also getting recognition for their potential in biodegradation and bioremediation of environmental contaminants. Production of enzymes and bioactive compounds (primarily as an adaptation mechanism) gives way to their applications in various industries. Exopolysaccharides and various biotechnologically important enzymes, produced by cold adapted species of , are making their way in food, textiles, and pharmaceuticals. The present review, therefore, aims to summarize the functional versatility of with particular reference to its peculiarities along with the ecological and biotechnological applications.