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.
5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test
E. coli belongs to the family Enterobacteriaceae and is a member of the Proteobacteria phylum.
Certain pathogenic strains of E. coli, such as O157:H7, produce Shiga toxin, leading to severe gastrointestinal illness.
E. coli is often used as an indicator organism for fecal contamination in water quality testing.
It plays a crucial role in microbial genetics and biotechnology, including cloning and gene expression studies.
Antibiotic resistance in E. coli is a growing concern, particularly in urinary tract infections.
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Related terms
Shiga Toxin: A potent toxin produced by certain strains of Escherichia coli that can cause severe illness.
Gram-Negative Bacteria: Bacteria characterized by a thin peptidoglycan layer and an outer membrane containing lipopolysaccharides.