Deinococcus geothermalis genome obtained

BETHESDA, Md., Sept. 27 (UPI) -- U.S. scientists have sequenced the genome of Deinococcus geothermalis -- only the second genome of a radiation- and desiccation-resistant bacterium.

Associate Professor Michael Daly at the Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences in Bethesda, Md., who led the study, said the first whole-genome sequence of an extremely radiation- and desiccation-resistant bacterium was for the Deinococcus radiodurans, which for 50 years has been the subject of extensive investigations aimed at solving the mystery of how it and its close relatives survive immense doses of x-rays and gamma-rays.

The new study found many of the D. radiodurans genes implicated in resistance are unrelated to the bacterium's survival and are not present in D. geothermalis.

The phenomenal resistance of Deinococcus bacteria has led to some theories that they might have evolved on Mars under harsh cosmic radiation. But the new analysis, said the researchers, firmly places the origin of Deinococcus bacteria on Earth.

The study is reported in the online journal PLoS One.

Copyright 2007 by United Press International

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