Paracoccus denitrificans, is a coccoid bacterium known for its nitrate reducing properties, its ability to replicate under conditions of hypergravity and for being a relative of the eukaryotic mitochondrion (endosymbiotic theory).

[5] As such, Paracoccus denitrificans has emerged as an important model organism for the characterisation of the complete denitrification process in order to potentially reduce excessive nitrous oxide release from nitrogen fertilised soils.

[1] Paracoccus is a biochemically versatile genus, possessing a variety of metabolisms through which a wide range of diverse compounds can be degraded.

[1] The denitrifying property of Paracoccus denitrificans has been used in creating a bioreactor, in this case, a tubular gel containing two bacteria, for the removal of nitrogen from wastewater.

[1] Some strains are capable of 'aerobic denitrification', the complete dissimilation of nitrate to dinitrogen (or nitrous oxide) under aerobic growth conditions.

Recent research carried out on extremophiles in Japan involved a variety of bacteria including Paracoccus denitrificans being subject to conditions of extreme gravity.

The bacteria were cultivated while being rotated in an ultracentrifuge at high speeds corresponding to 403,627 times g (the normal acceleration resulting from gravity at the Earth's surface).

Paracoccus denitrificans displayed not only survival but also robust cellular growth under these conditions of hyper-acceleration which are usually found only in cosmic environments, such as on very massive stars or in the shock waves of supernovas.