6 Bacteria With Wild Superpowers

What special structures does Geobacter metallireducens use to transfer electrons to metal?

• Pili

• Flagella

• Cilia

• Pseudopods

Which of the following helps Deinococcus radiodurans survive high levels of radiation?

• Producing high levels of protective antioxidants

• Having multiple copies of its genome

• Using a special protein to repair damaged DNA

• All of the above

Scientists are exploring using Deinococcus radiodurans for what purpose?

• Generating electricity in power plants

• Creating new types of superglue

• Cleaning up toxic waste sites with high radiation

• Producing plastic for manufacturing

What type of material does Ideonella sakaiensis break down using its enzymes?

• Wood

• Metal

• Plastic

• Glass

What is the primary component of the natural glue-like substance produced by Caulobacter crescentus?

• Proteins

• Lipids

• Polysaccharides

• Nucleic acids

How much stronger is the adhesive produced by Caulobacter crescentus compared to commercial super glue?

• Twice as strong

• Three times stronger

• Five times stronger

• Seven times stronger

What is the main source of energy for Aquifex bacteria?

• Sunlight

• Organic compounds

• Inorganic compounds

• Other bacteria

Unlike most heat-loving bacteria, what is a surprising characteristic of some types of Aquifex bacteria regarding oxygen?

• They produce large amounts of oxygen.

• They are completely unaffected by oxygen.

• They require oxygen to stay alive.

• They are harmed by even small amounts of oxygen.