Nutrition induced pleomorphism and budding mode of reproduction in Deinococcus radiodurans

BACKGROUND: Morphological adaptation is an important biological function of a microorganism to cope with its environment. Pleomorphism (to exist in a number of morphological forms) took centre stage in many discussions wherein a bacterium exhibits morphological transition and altered mode of reproduction in response to an environmental condition. FINDINGS: To strengthen the concept on pleomorphism in bacteria, we report here different cell morphologies of Deinococcus radiodurans in response to variation in nutrient concentration. From our studies we attempt primary evidence towards the presence of significant population of monomer cells of D. radiodurans in specific culture condition. In this report we also illustrate with scanning electron micrographs an unusual budding mode of reproduction in D. radiodurans which was not reported till date for this group of bacteria. CONCLUSION: In a holistic view the study reflects on bacterial shape (morphotypes) and the physiological adaptation to a particular nutrient environment. The discovery of budding mode of reproduction in Deinococcus will be of interest to microbiologists. It can serve as a model system to understand the mechanism of budding process at molecular level.