·         When exposed to irradiation, approximately 60 genes are induced which prompt repair pathways to reassemble DNA accurately and repair it efficiently, preventing any further cellular division until all damage is fixed.

·         Used 4 types of repair mechanisms (TO FIX DOUBLE STRANDED BREAKS)

1.      Homologous recombination

§  Uses an intact copy of DNA (from another chromosomes/genome, as this microbe has several spare) as a template to fill in/fix the break/mutated section of DNA.

2.      Extended synthesis-dependent strand annealing

§  Uses an existing copy of DNA to connect and build DNA from fragments

3.      Single-strand annealing 

§  Synthesizes missing sections on strand using another copy of DNA 

4.      Non homologous end joining

§  Does not require another copy of DNA

§  The broken ends are recognized and proteins join the ends back together.

·         Contain thick cellular envelope along with the pigments contained in it

=      Protect against some of radiation damage

·         DNA is unusually densely packed

=      Prevent movement/loss of damaged fragments of DNA

·         Numerous copies of genome number

=      Aid in DNA repair (use as template to fix damaged sections)

·         High accumulation of manganese(Mn(II)), phosphate nucleosides, DNA bases, and peptides in its cytoplasm

=      Prevent protein oxidation under extremely high ionizing radiation levels

=      Mn(II) ions increases radiation tolerance and form complexes that protect proteins