Salinibacter ruber strain M31T is an extraordinary halophilic bacterium, discovered in a saltern crystallizer pond located in Mallorca, Spain. This organism was isolated in September 1999 and has piqued the interest of researchers due to its unique adaptations to extreme saline environments. Genome sequencing utilizing single-molecule real-time technology has unveiled its 3.6-Mbp genome, which comprises a circular chromosome of 3.55-Mbp along with a plasmid measuring 35.5-kbp.

One remarkable feature of Salinibacter ruber is its highly acidic proteome, which consists of 2,962 proteins, some of which exhibit characteristics akin to archaeal proteins. Such peculiarities may play a significant role in the bacterium's survival in hypersaline conditions. To maintain osmotic balance, this organism boasts a notably high intracellular concentration of KCl. Additionally, it contains rhodopsins that facilitate phototrophic energy production, highlighting its unique metabolic pathways.

Salinibacter ruber strain M31T is classified as a gram-negative bacterium, further emphasizing its complex biological structure. Cultures of this strain have been successfully grown using ATCC 2402 medium. The genomic DNA is extracted through a meticulous process involving lysis and phenol:chloroform extraction followed by ethanol precipitation, showcasing advanced laboratory techniques used in microbiological studies.

The flexibility of Salinibacter ruber's genome, described as exhibiting a high degree of plasticity, allows it to adapt to varying environmental conditions. Such adaptations could provide insights into the mechanisms of survival and metabolic strategies of extremophiles, which have implications in fields such as astrobiology and biotechnology. Research into this strain may contribute to a deeper understanding of microbial life in extreme conditions, paving the way for future explorations of life beyond Earth.