Abstract:

Deinococcus radiodurans is a very unusual bacterium that breaks many of the rules associated with prokaryotes.  This member of the ancient family Deinococcaceae was isolated from soil from the arid desert near Las Vegas, NV.  Using the organism's extreme resistance to ionizing radiation and its tolerance to elevated saline levels, we used ultraviolet radiation and nutrient agar with 7.5% NaCl to select against other organisms.  Based on the Gram stain, colony color and morphology, tolerance to high salt concentrations and UV radiation and growth rate, we conclude that we isolated a Deinococcus.
 
 
 

The electron micrographs above show some of the unusal features of D. radiodurans.  The four compartments of a single cocci can be seen in 2 and 3.   In 1 and 3, the tightly coiled DNA torus is visible.  Source:  Weizmann Institute of Science wis-wander.weizmann.ac.il

To contact the authors, please e-mail:
Yun Choi:  at@atdotcomdotcom.com
Amy Kwon:  amykwon@wam.umd.edu