Iso-catalase Profiles of Deinococcus spp.

The obligate aerobic Deinococcus are highly resistant against lethal effect of UV-and ionizing-radiation. Only five mesophilic Deinococcus species, i. e. D. radiodurans, D. radiophilus, D. proteolyticus, D. radiopugnans, and D. grandis are known. Since an indispensable role of catalase has been suggested in protecting cells against oxidative stress and UV radiation, Deinococcal catalase activity of each species and electrophoretic profiles of catalases were investigated on gel. Total catalase activity was varied among the species in the aerobically grown culture at stationary phase. The occurrence of multiple forms of catalases with different molecular weights in four species of Deinococcus and of a single catalase in D. radiopugnans suggests that each species shows the unique catalase profiles on gel. Some Deinococcal catalases also exhibit peroxidase activity. Since Deinococcus spp. are less-distinct to each other in their morphology, biochemical and physiological properties, the catalase profiles on PAGE would be useful in identifying the species of Deinococcus.