Amazing facts about Deinococcus radiodurans

Deinococcus radiodurans is a large, spherical bacterium that appear as diads or tetrads. It is a microorganism that can be found in a wide variety of places such as soil, feces, meat, sewage, hot springs, radiation contaminated areas and desserts.
Domain: Bacteria
Phylum: Deinococcota
Class: Deinococci
Order: Deinococcales
Family: Deinococcaceae
Genus: Deinococcus
Species: D. radiodurans

This bacterium stains gram positive even though its cell envelope structure shares similarities with gram negative bacteria but the thick peptidoglycan layer in D. radiodurans retains the stain during the Gram staining procedure, resulting in a positive result. Its unique cell wall structure is part of the reason why it is so resistant to radiation and other harsh environmental condition.

Researchers are exploring the potential of D. radiodurans-derived compounds like carotenoids (deinoxanthin) as antioxidants in skincare products due to their protective properties against oxidative stress. Genetically modified D. radiodurans strains can be used as biosensors to detect radiation levels in an environment.
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC8542025/

D. radiodurans can directly bind heavy metals to its cell surface due to the presence of specific binding sites on its cell wall. Some strains of it can reduce the valence state of metals like uranium, converting them to less soluble forms that are easier to remove. It can break down complex organic pollutants into simpler, less harmful compounds. Researchers are exploring the use of engineered D. radiodurans strains to degrade both radioactive and organic pollutants present in mixed waste.

Deinococcus radiodurans is significance to the environment by its extreme resistance to various stresses such as ionizing radiation, desiccation and oxidative stress. This allows it to thrive in environments with high levels of radiation, making it a potential candidate for bioremediation of radioactive waste sites and a subject of study for understanding mechanisms of DNA repair and cellular resilience in extreme environments.

Deinococcal antioxidants can be used as radio-protectors in cancer healthcare. A genetic toolbox for D. radiodurans can be used to quickly create genetic variants. Deinococcal proteins can be used to create stress-resistant organisms and Deinococcal amylosurase can be used to improve natural active compounds.