Living BeingsCompare species
Deinococcus radiodurans
Deinococcus radiodurans
African Baobab
Adansonia digitata
Evidence from the profiles
Compare their characteristics
| Trait | Deinococcus radiodurans | African Baobab |
|---|---|---|
| Physical traits | Rounded cells commonly occur in grouped arrangements. Pigmented colonies and cell shape alone do not provide a secure identification. | Thick, fibrous bark surrounds a broad trunk. Each compound leaf has several leaflets radiating from a central point. |
| Habitat and range | Cultured isolates have been studied under ordinary growth conditions and experimental stress; radiation resistance does not mean radiation is required for growth. | A terrestrial tree of tropical Africa, it is adapted to seasonally dry conditions and is also planted in gardens and settlements. |
| Diet and nutrition | Organic nutrients support heterotrophic growth. Stress resistance should not be confused with obtaining energy from radiation. | Leaves produce sugars through photosynthesis. Water and mineral nutrients are taken up through the roots. |
| Behavior and activity | Cells coordinate repair and recovery after DNA damage, oxidative stress or desiccation-related challenges. | Data unavailable |
| Reproduction and life cycle | Cell division produces new cells when conditions permit. Genome maintenance is critical to recovery before normal growth resumes. | Large, hanging white flowers develop into capsules containing seeds embedded in pale, powdery pulp. New trees can be grown from seed. |
| Geographic distribution | Authenticated isolates and research collections provide traceable records. A full environmental range is not established by the genome study. | Native to Africa and cultivated elsewhere. The accompanying photograph shows a planted specimen in Madagascar; that location should not be confused with the native range of every baobab species. |
| Ecological role | Its stress biology helps explain microbial persistence during changing hydration and resource conditions. | Its flowers, fruit and extensive woody structure provide biological resources. The familiar name baobab also applies to other species, which should not be confused with this one. |
| Distinctive adaptations | The R1 genome study identified multiple systems associated with DNA repair, damage handling and recovery from starvation or desiccation. Its resistance is therefore not adequately explained by one supposed protective gene. The sequenced strain also carries multiple DNA elements, providing a framework for testing how these cellular systems work together. | A substantial trunk and drought-resistant growth form help distinguish this tree from many humid-forest trees. |
Classification
Shared ancestry
Closest shared taxon: cellular organisms.