Christmas in July!?

One of my favorite things about microbiology is learning about the role that microbes play in various industries.  Some of these I’ve discussed so far are things like cheese making and beer brewing that use whole cell bacteria and yeast to utilize their metabolic pathways. Some industries however don’t use a microbe’s metabolic pathway but other byproducts that microbes produce as a part of their life cycle. One example of this is the use of enzymes in laundry detergent.  Enzymes know as proteases and lipases that are isolated from bacteria are used to break down proteins and fats to get rid of stains.  The paper industry also uses enzymes to bleach and process paper. Another example that I have recently discovered and found to be particularly interesting is the use of bacteria in the creation of artificial snow.

The bacteria Pseudomonas syringae synthesizes a special INA protein.  This protein serves as an artificial nucleus that attracts water and freezes it at temperatures well above freezing. In the environment, this bacteria and protein are responsible for causing frost damage and plays some role in creating clouds, rain, and snow.  At ski resorts it’s responsible for creating artificial snow.  By adding the bacteria to snowmaking equipment, ski resorts are able to create snow at warmer temperatures than would normally be possible.  Being able to create snow at lower temperatures allows them to lay down base layers of snow and cover up bare patches.  While the mighty microbe isn’t quite powerful enough to create Christmas in July it is able to create early openings for ski resorts and longer seasons for skiers.