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Escherichia coli

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Microbiology

Definition

Escherichia coli (E. coli) is a Gram-negative, rod-shaped bacterium commonly found in the intestines of warm-blooded organisms. While most strains are harmless, some can cause serious food poisoning and infections.

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5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

  1. E. coli belongs to the family Enterobacteriaceae and is a member of the Proteobacteria phylum.
  2. Certain pathogenic strains of E. coli, such as O157:H7, produce Shiga toxin, leading to severe gastrointestinal illness.
  3. E. coli is often used as an indicator organism for fecal contamination in water quality testing.
  4. It plays a crucial role in microbial genetics and biotechnology, including cloning and gene expression studies.
  5. Antibiotic resistance in E. coli is a growing concern, particularly in urinary tract infections.

Review Questions

  • What are the primary characteristics that classify E. coli as a Gram-negative bacterium?
  • Which strain of E. coli is known for producing Shiga toxin and causing severe gastrointestinal illness?
  • How is E. coli used in modern applications of microbial genetics?
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