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7780816 
Journal Article 
Review 
A new perspective on radiation resistance based on Deinococcus radiodurans 
Daly, MJ 
2009 
1 
Nature Reviews. Microbiology
ISSN: 1740-1526
EISSN: 1740-1534 
7 
3 
237-245 
English 
19172147 
WOS:000263361000015 
In classical models of radiation toxicity, DNA is the molecule that is most affected by ionizing radiation (IR). However, recent data show that the amount of protein damage caused during irradiation of bacteria is better related to survival than to DNA damage. In this Opinion article, a new model is presented in which proteins are the most important target in the hierarchy of macromolecules affected by IR. A first line of defence against IR in extremely radiation-resistant bacteria might be the accumulation of manganese complexes, which can prevent the production of iron-dependent reactive oxygen species. This would allow an irradiated cell to protect sufficient enzymatic activity needed to repair DNA and survive.