RESUMEN
Ice microalgae, which inhabit in the extreme conditions of polar marine environment, not only play an important role in Antarctica ecosystem but also show broad prospects in basic research and application. Ice microalgae have the specific physiological and metabolic properties that are responsible for their adaptation and acclimation to the special polar conditions. Based on the references in the recent twenty years and the partial research results of author's, the ice microalgae composition and distribution, and the application in bait, unsaturated fatty acid, anti-freezing proteins, UV-absorbing pigments and other active substances are reviewed. It is expected to provide references for the research and active substance exploitations of ice microalgae.