E. coli: Friend AND Foe

Escherichia coli is a species of
bacterium commonly found in the
gastro-intestinal tract of warm-blood
animals including humans.

These organisms partake in a
symbiotic relationship with us,
absorbing nutrients and living within
the confines of the gut.

In turn, these bacteria provide us with
some essential nutrients and protect
us from infection.

Some strains of E. coli may invade
bodily tissue and cause infection. The
consumption of spoilt food-products is
often the cause.
Under the Microscope…
These organisms have several
peculiar features:

They are rod-shaped overall.

They contain finger-like pili
structures (‘P’) to sense their
surrounding environment.

They possess flagella (‘F’)
which act as ‘propellers’ to
afford motility.
In the Lab…

E. coli has both industrial and
research applications due to its ease
of growth and manipulation.

Through the use of recombinant DNA
technology, E. coli cells are used to
produce human insulin, vaccines,
antibiotics and other important
pharmaceuticals in industry.

In research, E. coli serves as a
model organism in studies of
pathogens such as Salmonella spp.
due to physiological similarities.