Mrakia

Mrakia is a genus of yeasts within the Basidiomycota. Members are typically psychrophilic or psychrotolerant, meaning they prefer cold environments and can grow at low temperatures, often with growth occurring near 0°C and an optimum in the range of a few degrees Celsius. They are found in cold habitats around the world and are studied for their adaptations to low temperatures.

Ecology and distribution: Species have been isolated from Arctic and Antarctic soils and waters, as well as alpine and other cold environments. They can be associated with decaying plant material, mosses, and other organic substrates in cold ecosystems. Their presence in refrigerated or cold foods has also been noted in some contexts, reflecting their tolerance of low temperatures.

Physiology and reproduction: Morphologically, Mrakia cells are typically oval to elongated and reproduce primarily by budding. Under certain conditions, some species may form pseudohyphae. As basidiomycetous yeasts, they have the potential to participate in sexual cycles that produce basidiospores, though the induction and observation of sexual structures in Mrakia species are not always straightforward.

Taxonomy and classification: Mrakia is placed among basidiomycetous yeasts in the class Tremellomycetes. In contemporary taxonomic treatments, the genus is associated with the family Mrakiaceae within the order Cystofilobasidiales, reflecting its relationship to other cold-adapted yeasts.

Relevance: The genus serves as a model for understanding fungal adaptation to extreme cold and has potential biotechnological applications, particularly for processes and enzymes that remain active at low temperatures. Further research continues to refine its taxonomy and ecological roles in polar and alpine ecosystems.