Escherichia facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Escherichia |
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| SEM micrograph of cluster of Escherichia coli bacteria. Each individual bacterium is oblong-shaped | |
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Escherichia
Castellani & Chalmers 1919
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E. albertii |
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Escherichia is a group of tiny living things called bacteria. They are so small you need a microscope to see them! These bacteria are named after a German doctor, Theodor Escherich. He was the one who first found a very famous type of this bacteria, called Escherichia coli, or E. coli for short. You might be surprised to learn that E. coli is very common in the intestines (guts) of humans and animals.
Contents
What is Escherichia?
Escherichia is a genus of bacteria. Think of a genus as a family group for living things. All the bacteria in the Escherichia genus share many similar features. They are very tiny, single-celled organisms.
Who Discovered Escherichia?
Theodor Escherich was a German doctor. He lived from 1857 to 1911. Dr. Escherich was a pediatrician, a doctor who specializes in children's health. He was very interested in studying the bacteria found in the guts of babies.
In 1885, he discovered a specific type of bacteria. He named it Bacterium coli commune. Later, this name was changed to Escherichia coli to honor him.
Where Do They Live?
Many types of Escherichia bacteria live in the intestines of warm-blooded animals. This includes humans, cows, and other mammals. They are a normal part of the "gut flora." This means they are usually helpful or harmless.
E. coli in Your Gut
E. coli is the most well-known type of Escherichia. It helps with digestion in your gut. It can even produce some vitamins that your body needs. Most E. coli strains are harmless.
However, some types of E. coli can cause problems. These are called pathogenic strains. They can lead to stomach upset or other illnesses. Scientists study these different types to understand them better.
How Are They Similar to Other Bacteria?
Escherichia bacteria are quite similar to another group of bacteria called Enterobacter. Both belong to a larger family called Enterobacteriaceae. This family includes many bacteria that live in the intestines.
- They often look similar under a microscope.
- They can live in similar environments, like the gut.
- Scientists use special tests to tell them apart.
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