BACTERIUM COLI Meaning and
Definition
-
Bacterium coli, also known as Escherichia coli (E. coli), is a Gram-negative bacterium that belongs to the family Enterobacteriaceae. It is a rod-shaped bacterium commonly found in the gastrointestinal tract of humans and animals. First discovered in the late 19th century by German pediatrician Theodor Escherich, E. coli has become one of the most well-studied and recognizable microorganisms.
With a size ranging from 0.5 to 1.5 micrometers in diameter and 1 to 6 micrometers in length, E. coli is a facultative anaerobe, meaning it can survive both with and without oxygen. It possesses flagella, allowing it to exhibit motility and move towards or away from different stimuli.
E. coli has a diverse array of strains, some of which are harmless and serve important roles in the human gut microbiota. However, certain strains can cause illnesses, particularly in the case of contamination through food or water ingestion. These pathogenic strains produce toxins that can lead to gastrointestinal infections, urinary tract infections, and other associated diseases.
Because of its simplicity and rapid growth, E. coli has become a valuable model organism for scientific research. It has greatly contributed to the understanding of various biological processes, including DNA replication, transcription, translation, and gene regulation. Moreover, its use in biotechnology and genetic engineering has paved the way for advancements in medicine, protein production, and the development of novel therapies.
-
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
Common Misspellings for BACTERIUM COLI
- vacterium coli
- nacterium coli
- hacterium coli
- gacterium coli
- bzcterium coli
- bscterium coli
- bwcterium coli
- bqcterium coli
- baxterium coli
- bavterium coli
- bafterium coli
- badterium coli
- bacrerium coli
- bacferium coli
- bacgerium coli
- bacyerium coli
- bac6erium coli
- bac5erium coli
- bactwrium coli
- bactsrium coli
Etymology of BACTERIUM COLI
The word "Bacterium coli" has a Latin etymology.
- "Bacterium" comes from the Greek word "baktērion" which means "small stick" or "staff".
- "Coli" is derived from the Latin word "colon", meaning "of the colon".
So "Bacterium coli" can be translated as "small stick of the colon", referring to the shape and location of this specific bacterium.
Infographic
Add the infographic to your website:
