Classification 12-4

• The nick name is "strange berry that withstands radiation" 
• scientific name is deinococcus radiodurans.
• Anaerobic because it does not require free oxygen to survive.
• Also known as "Conan the Bacterium  

Structure 12-4

• Ring-shaped structure in which DNA is packed in long strands, which are unable to produce. (The long strands play an important role in the strcuture and functions of the bacteria)
• The DNA strands allow ordinary processes happen 100,000 times faster than usual strands.
• Because the long strands are packed in so tightly together, diffusion is not possible.
• Contains many ribosomes and ribosomal units.
• Does not make spores
• multi-layered cell walls

Nutritional Requirements 12-5

• Heterotrophic bacterium
• Derive carbon from organic nutrients such as sugar
• Has to obtain its energy from organic materials
• Heterotrophic bacterias are usually not bad for the human health 

History 12-6

• It was not discovered until 1956 in a can of meat that spoiled that had been zapped with a huge dose of radiation.
• Since being discovered in 1956, it has been found in llama feces, in irradiated haddock and duck, and in granite from Antarctica's Dry Valleys, the place on Earth thought to most closely resemble the surface of Mars.
• When it was discovered, it caused a great amount of interest. Many people were interested in finding out information on it. 

Missing from Enviornment

• If Deinococcus radiodurans is not present in its enviornment, then the genetic damage cannot be repaired. If the genetic damage is not repaired, then there could be DNA mutations and long-term dehydration which would not be good.
• If it was not in our enviornment, scientist could not do research on medicines humans might need on Mars.
• It would also not be able to help clean up toxic waste spills, which are harmful to our enviornment.