K'lene Moodley
Deinococcus radiodurans thrives in extreme conditions, such as radioactive waste sites, where most life cannot survive due to high radiation levels.
This image shows a magnified view of Deinococcus radiodurans, a spherical, gram-positive bacterium known for its distinct tetrad formation, where four cells cluster together. The bacterium’s thick cell wall and unique DNA repair mechanisms contribute to its extraordinary resistance to ionizing radiation, desiccation, and other extreme conditions. The vibrant colors in the image highlight its cellular structure, emphasizing the compartments within each cell that aid in its survival in hostile environments.
This image shows the abandoned amusement park in Pripyat, Ukraine, near the Chernobyl Nuclear Power Plant. Following the 1986 disaster, the area became highly radioactive. Extremophiles like _Deinococcus radiodurans _thrive here, helping in bioremediation of radioactive waste.
Domain: Bacteria
Phylum: Deinococcota
Class: Deinococci
Order: Deinococcales
Family: Deinococcaceae
Genus: Deinococcus
Species: D. radiodurans
