Abstract
Microbes are primitive organisms inhabiting the earth since origin of life on earth. Having versatile adaptability, they not only survived millions of years of evolution; they are also highly significant in maintaining ecological balance on earth. Intense cold environments are the hot spots of biodiversity of various groups of microbes. The cold habitats of Indian Himalayan region have a huge diversity of psychrophilic microbes. Cold-adapted microbes have applications in agriculture, medicine and industry as they can produce cold-adapted enzymes, anti-freezing compounds, antibiotics etc. Further, recent research studies are focused to understand their species richness, functional and phylogenetic diversity. Throughout the world majority of these microorganisms especially in extreme habitats still remain unseen and need to be explored and utilized for better use of mankind. Present chapter deals with particulars of microbial biodiversity of Indian Himalaya region and their probable use in industries.
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