Cupriavidus metallidurans


Cupriavidus metallidurans strain CH34 is a non-spore-forming, Gram-negative bacterium which is adapted to survive several forms of heavy metal stress. Therefore, it is an ideal subject to study heavy metal disturbance of cellular processes. This bacterium shows a unique combination of advantages not present in this form in other bacteria.
image of a gold nugget, revealing bacterioform structures
Also it plays a vital role, together with the species Delftia acidovorans, in the formation of gold nuggets, by precipitating metallic gold from a solution of gold chloride, a compound highly toxic to most other microorganisms.