6 Bacteria With Wild Superpowers

Summary

Bacteria may not be superheroes in the traditional sense, but many possess incredible powers that allow them to survive extreme conditions. From Geobacter metallireducens, which generates energy through electricity, to Deinococcus radiodurans, which resists intense radiation, these microbes showcase remarkable adaptations. Ideonella sakaiensis can break down plastic, while Caulobacter crescentus produces an adhesive stronger than commercial glue. Aquifex thrives in extreme heat, and Neisseria gonorrhoeae exhibits immense strength by pulling surfaces with extraordinary force. These bacteria challenge our understanding of what’s possible in the microscopic world and may one day have practical applications in science and medicine.

Takeaways

• 😀 Geobacter metallireducens generates energy using electricity, creating biological 'wires' that transfer electrons.
• 😀 Deinococcus radiodurans is the world’s most radiation-resistant bacterium, capable of surviving up to 1.5 million rads of gamma radiation.
• 😀 Ideonella sakaiensis can break down polyethylene terephthalate (PET) plastic, potentially revolutionizing plastic waste management.
• 😀 Caulobacter crescentus produces a super-strong adhesive that outperforms commercial superglue and could be used in medical applications.
• 😀 Aquifex bacteria thrive in extreme heat and low oxygen, using special proteins to survive environments like hot springs.
• 😀 Neisseria gonorrhoeae can exert incredible force with its pili, pulling 100,000 times its body weight.
• 😀 Bacteria like Geobacter metallireducens have evolved extraordinary abilities that allow them to survive in extreme environments.
• 😀 Deinococcus radiodurans may help clean up toxic waste sites, where most other microbes would perish due to radiation.
• 😀 The plastic-eating ability of Ideonella sakaiensis presents a potential solution for environmental issues related to plastic pollution.
• 😀 The adhesive properties of Caulobacter crescentus could offer a solution for surgical procedures, as it works even in wet conditions.

Q & A

What makes Geobacter metallireducens unique in terms of energy production?

Geobacter metallireducens generates energy using electrical current, instead of oxygen or carbon dioxide, by transferring electrons through biological wires known as pili or flagella.

How does Deinococcus radiodurans survive intense radiation?

Deinococcus radiodurans survives high radiation by producing protective antioxidants like carotenoids and by maintaining multiple copies of its genome to repair damaged DNA using a protein called RecA.

What makes Ideonella sakaiensis effective at breaking down plastic?

Ideonella sakaiensis breaks down polyethylene terephthalate (PET) by secreting enzymes, such as PETase, that break the plastic into intermediate compounds that it can further digest for energy.

How does Caulobacter crescentus create such strong adhesion?

Caulobacter crescentus produces a glue-like substance made of polysaccharides that allows it to adhere strongly to surfaces, even underwater, providing a stable environment for the bacteria.

What is unique about Aquifex bacteria in extreme environments?

Aquifex bacteria thrive in extremely hot environments, using both hydrogen and oxygen for energy, which is unusual for heat-loving bacteria, most of which are anaerobic.

Why is Neisseria gonorrhoeae considered the strongest organism on Earth?

Neisseria gonorrhoeae is the strongest organism in terms of force exerted by its pili, which can pull 100,000 times its body weight, making it the strongest biological force ever measured.

What role do antioxidants play in Deinococcus radiodurans' survival?

Antioxidants in Deinococcus radiodurans, such as carotenoids, help neutralize free radicals caused by radiation, preventing the bacteria from being damaged by the radiation.

How do Geobacter metallireducens bacteria find new sources of metal when needed?

When Geobacter metallireducens runs out of metal, it can grow a flagellum to swim toward new sources, following chemical signals in its environment to locate the necessary metals.

What discovery was made in 1956 regarding Deinococcus radiodurans?

In 1956, scientists discovered Deinococcus radiodurans when it survived radiation used to sterilize canned food, and it was later found to be the most radiation-resistant life form.

How might the adhesive properties of Caulobacter crescentus be used in medicine?

The adhesive properties of Caulobacter crescentus could be used in surgical adhesives, as its glue-like substance is strong, works in wet conditions, and can be applied precisely.