Written by the Fiveable Content Team • Last updated September 2025
Written by the Fiveable Content Team • Last updated September 2025
Definition
Radioresistant organisms are those that can withstand high levels of ionizing radiation. These organisms have robust mechanisms to repair DNA damage caused by radiation exposure.
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Deinococcus radiodurans is one of the most well-known radioresistant bacteria.
Radioresistance allows some prokaryotes to survive in extreme environments, such as space or areas contaminated by nuclear fallout.
Mechanisms of radioresistance include efficient DNA repair systems and protective proteins that shield cellular components from damage.
Radioresistant bacteria are being researched for potential applications in bioremediation of radioactive waste sites.
Archaea, like some species of Halobacterium, also exhibit radioresistance due to their unique cellular structures and metabolic pathways.
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Related terms
Extremophile: An organism that thrives in extreme environmental conditions such as high radiation, temperature, or salinity.
DNA Repair Mechanisms: Cellular processes that identify and correct damage to the DNA molecules that encode its genome.
Bioremediation: The use of living organisms, such as microbes and plants, to remove contaminants from soil or water environments.