uv resistance

Radiodurans - the "Radiation Resilient Guardian"

Deinococcus radiodurans, the "Radiation Resilient Guardian," is akin to a superhero with an extraordinary power—the ability to withstand lethal doses of radiation. Remember we always have to put on sunscreen when it's sunny? This bug doesn't need sunscreens because it has the superpower to resist UV and repair UV induced damages!

How was it discovered?

D. radiodurans was discovered in a food sterilization experiment, and was the only bacteria in the experiment that survived a blast of gamma rays meant to sterilize food.

What makes its power unique?

This microbe, now nicknames “Conan the Bacterium” for its toughness, can survive levels of radiation at least 1,000 times higher than other organisms, including humans, can. When exposed to high doses of radiation that would destroy the DNA of most living beings, this remarkable microbe remains virtually unharmed. Its superpower lies in its ability to rapidly repair its damaged DNA by housing multiple copies of its genetic material and specialized ways of packaging its DNA.

Why does it need this power?

This superhero-like resilience to radiation isn’t just a party trick. It’s a survival strategy that enables Deinococcus radiodurans to thrive in harsh environments, including radioactive waste sites. This bacteria has also survive in outer space for 3 years!

What can we learn by studying this organism?

The biology of Deinococcus radiodurans teaches us valuable lessons about DNA repair mechanisms and cellular resilience. By studying this microbe’s ability to withstand radiation, scientists hope to unlock secrets that could potentially benefit medicine, such as developing better ways to protect human DNA from radiation damage during cancer treatment.

What do Deinococcus radiodurans really look like?