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Deinococcus radiodurans

STRUCTURE AND PHYSIOLOGY

Deinococcus radiodurans is a Gram-positive, non-sporulating, aerobic, cocci-shaped bacterium. To the naked eye, it often has a red or pink pigment. Under a microscope, it forms visible tetrads (groups of four cells).

TRANSMISSION AND DISEASE

This microorganism has not been shown to cause disease in humans.

UNIQUE OR INTERESTING FACT

D. radiodurans is a unique bacterium in that it is incredibly resistant to high doses of multiple forms of radiation. This microorganism is frequently used in research to study its genomic repair mechanisms. It has even been proven to survive for three years in outer space, based on studies conducted by scientists aboard the International Space Station.

REFERENCE(S)

Makarova, K S et al. “Genome of the extremely radiation-resistant bacterium Deinococcus radiodurans viewed from the perspective of comparative genomics.” Microbiology and molecular biology reviews : MMBR vol. 65,1 (2001): 44-79. doi:10.1128/MMBR.65.1.44-79.2001

Image from:https://www.newscientist.com/article/dn14209-the-most-extreme-life-forms-in-the-universe-part-ii/

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