| Description | *Methylobacterium radiotolerans* is a gram-negative, rod-shaped bacterium that thrives in a mesophilic temperature range (20-45°C) and is classified as a methylotrophic organism, specifically a facultative anaerobe. This microbe is part of the Alphaproteobacteria class and is commonly found in diverse environments, including soil, freshwater, and even in association with plants, particularly in their rhizosphere and phyllosphere. As a methylotroph, *Methylobacterium radiotolerans* can utilize one-carbon compounds such as methanol and methane for growth, enabling it to play a significant role in the carbon cycle, particularly in the degradation of organic materials. The facultative anaerobic metabolism allows this bacterium to survive in varying oxygen conditions, adapting its metabolic processes to utilize oxygen when available or switching to fermentation pathways under anaerobic conditions. This adaptability contributes to its ecological versatility and its ability to colonize different niches. The gram-negative cell wall structure of *Methylobacterium radiotolerans* consists of a thin peptidoglycan layer surrounded by an outer membrane containing lipopolysaccharides, which can influence its interactions with the environment and provide a level of protection against adverse conditions.Moreover, this microbe exhibits remarkable resistance to ionizing radiation, making it a subject of interest for researchers exploring extremophiles and their potential applications in bioremediation and biotechnology. Its ability to thrive in radioactive environments suggests it might possess unique DNA repair mechanisms, which could provide insights into microbial life in extreme conditions and enhance our understanding of microbial resilience and evolution. |
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