what are some additional facts about E. coli?
1. E. coli is a type of bacteria that can be found in the lower intestines of mammals and also in the environment.
2. Most strains of E. coli are harmless, but some can cause illness in humans, including diarrhea, urinary tract infections, and other infections.
3. E. coli is a Gram-negative bacteria, meaning it has an outer layer that makes it resistant to many antibiotics.
4. Scientists use E. coli in research as a model organism because it is easy to grow and its genetic material is well understood.
5. E. coli can be transmitted through contaminated food, water, or surfaces, as well as person-to-person contact.
6. The most common cause of E. coli infections in humans is through the ingestion of undercooked or contaminated meat, particularly ground beef.
7. E. coli outbreaks have occurred in various settings, including restaurants, schools, and nursing homes.
8. E. coli is also used in biotechnology and genetic engineering, as it can be manipulated to produce valuable proteins and other products.
9. There are many strains of E. coli, and some are resistant to multiple antibiotics, posing a public health threat.
10. E. coli can also be used as an indicator organism for water quality, as its presence can indicate fecal contamination.