Analysis of plasmidome of high-altitude lakes from the Andean Puna

The high-altitude lakes of the Andean Puna are exposed to multiple extreme conditions including high UV radiation, high concentration of arsenic, heavy metals and dissolved salts, high thermal amplitude and low oxygen pressure. Despite inhospitable conditions, various microbial ecosystems can develop successfully through adaptation mechanisms, which can be encoded in plasmids and can thus be transmitted in the microbial community. The aim of this study was the characterization of plasmidome (overall plasmid population) of cultivable and non-cultivable organisms of lakes from the Andean Puna, analyzing their functions and ecological significance. Genetic determinants of plasmid nature essentials to survive in these environments were sought.