Escherichia coli (E. coli) is a gram-negative bacterium commonly found in the intestinal tracts of humans and animals. While some strains of E. coli are harmless and even beneficial to their hosts, others can cause infections and diseases, especially in people with weakened immune systems. E. coli is a rod-shaped bacterium that can reproduce rapidly, with a generation time of just 20 minutes under optimal conditions. It is also an important model organism in microbiology and genetics research, as it is easy to culture and manipulate in the laboratory.
E. coli is a versatile bacterium with a wide range of metabolic capabilities, allowing it to survive in various environments. It is capable of both aerobic and anaerobic respiration, and can ferment sugars to produce energy. E. coli is also a key player in the global carbon and nitrogen cycles, and has been used for various biotechnological applications, such as the production of recombinant proteins and biofuels. However, some strains of E. coli can cause serious illnesses, such as diarrhea, urinary tract infections, and meningitis. Proper hygiene and food safety practices can help prevent the spread of pathogenic E. coli strains.
What does E. coli do to the human body?