| Description | Deinococcus radiodurans is a highly resilient, gram-positive, rod-shaped microbe that thrives in extreme environments. It belongs to the Temperature preference category of Thermophilic, meaning it prefers temperatures above 50°C (122°F), and can withstand temperatures up to 60°C (140°F). Its metabolism is chemosynthetic, relying on the oxidation of organic compounds as its energy source, classified as a Chemoheterotroph. Energy production occurs through aerobic respiration, utilizing oxygen as the final electron acceptor. Deinococcus radiodurans is a gram-positive microbe, meaning its cell wall has a thick peptidoglycan layer, and has a distinctive rod shape, which measures approximately 2-5 μm in length. The organism is found in all body sites across all species, including soil, water, and the gastrointestinal tracts of animals. This microbe is an Obligate Aerobe, requiring the presence of oxygen to survive and grow. In fact, it is extremely sensitive to anaerobic conditions, exhibiting rapid growth inhibition and even cell death in the absence of oxygen. Deinococcus radiodurans has several unique adaptations that enable it to survive in environments with high levels of radiation, heavy metals, and other toxic compounds. Its remarkable ability to withstand radiation is due to its robust DNA repair mechanisms, which allow it to repair DNA damage sustained from ionizing radiation. This microbe's remarkable resilience has led to its nickname, "Conan the Bacterium," as it is capable of withstanding the equivalent of 5,000 doses of X-rays. Researchers have extensively studied D. radiodurans due to its extraordinary resistance to radiation, and its ability to survive in areas where other microorganisms cannot. This has led to its potential application in bioremediation, biomedical research, and even in the development of new technologies for improving radiation protection. |
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